Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2011. Originally introduced in the House by Representative Lamar Smith of Texas, this targeted regulatory reform bill would amend the Regulatory Flexibility Act, RFA, the seminal legislation enacted in 1980 that requires Federal agencies to consider the cost and impact of proposed regulations on small businesses if such regulation would significantly affect a substantial number of small entities. As a steadfast proponent for regulatory reform, I have been deeply troubled by this chamber's unwillingness to act on an issue so critical to our Nation's job creators. In stark contrast, our House counterparts are poised to pass this legislation, offering relief to our Nation's small business job creators. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to seize this opportunity and support this legislation. If anyone believes this is a solution in need of a problem, there is ample evidence to the contrary. In fact, an October 24 Gallup poll of American small business owners revealed that the number one problem they face is ``complying with government regulations.'' What I find increasingly frustrating is that although small businesses repeatedly express their concerns, the Senate continues to sit idly by, failing to take serious action!…
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