Press Releases

WASHINGTON – House Small Business Committee Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH), House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and all Chairmen of the standing committees of the U.S. House of Representatives this evening warned the Obama Administration against enacting any last-minute rules and regulations in their final days in office. In their letter, addressed to the heads of all Cabinet departments and federal agencies, the House Republican leaders wrote:

“Earlier this year, President Obama’s Chief of Staff stated that the Administration will “do audacious executive action throughout the course of the rest of the year.” As you are aware, such action often involves the exercise of substantial policymaking discretion and could have far-reaching impacts on the American people and economy.  Considering these potential consequences, we write to caution you against finalizing pending rules or regulations in the Administration’s last days.  By refraining from acting with undue haste, you will ensure that agency staff may fully assess the costs and benefits of rules, making it less likely that unintended consequences will harm consumers and businesses.  Moreover, such forbearance is necessary to afford the recently elected Administration and Congress the opportunity to review and give direction concerning pending rulemakings. Should you ignore this counsel, please be aware that we will work with our colleagues to ensure that Congress scrutinizes your actions – and, if appropriate, overturns them – pursuant to the Congressional Review Act.”

You can view the letter HERE.

Later this week, the House will consider H.R. 5982, The Midnight Rules Relief Act, bipartisan legislation to give Congress the power to stop all of the “midnight rules” with one vote.