On the recordFebruary 11, 2011
I believe that we should take every opportunity to thoughtfully and comprehensively reform regulations to ensure that they protect the health and welfare of the American people while not unduly impeding job creation. Obviously, however, this resolution is unnecessary. Our committee already convened a hearing on this exact topic just yesterday. We also adopted an oversight plan that specifically addresses the topic. So spending 10 hours debating this noncontroversial resolution does not seem to be the best use of Members' time. Importantly, any meaningful discussion of regulatory reform must be based on a comprehensive examination that considers the costs and benefits of regulations, that develops conclusions based on solid data, and that seeks input from a wide variety of sources. President Obama launched such an examination when he issued an executive order last month requiring agencies to examine the costs and the benefits of regulations to the overall economy, to small businesses, and to American workers and families.
