Haley Stevens: “I strongly support the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. Small business is overloaded with…”

“I strongly support the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. Small business is overloaded with unreasonable regulatory requirements and paperwork. We are long overdue in doing something about it. This legislation will help small business in several major ways. First, it provides judicial review of the Regulatory Flexibility Act to ensure that agencies will consider the impact of regulations on small businesses, small towns, and nonprofit organizations. The Reg-Flex Act has been on the books for 16 years, but agencies have ignored it because it could not be enforced in court. We are putting an end to that. Second, this legislation helps small business to participate in the federal regulatory process. Third, it provides an opportunity for small businesses to redress arbitrary Government enforcement actions. In addition, Senator Nickles is adding a provision that would allow Congress to review new rules under expedited procedures. This can provide redress for both big and small business, governments, and non-profit organizations. If a rule is unreasonable, Congress will have an opportunity to veto it. Mr. President, small business is critical to the well-being of the country and my home State of Alaska. Over 99 percent of Alaska's businesses are small businesses. They are the largest employers of minorities, women, and youth in Alaska. Alaska boasts a higher percentage of women-owned businesses than any State.”