On the recordJanuary 7, 2016
As Federal regulatory agencies attempt to pile more and more regulatory burdens on America's struggling workers, families, and small businesses, the least we can ask is that they be transparent about it. What could be more transparent than requiring them on a monthly basis, online, to update the public with realtime information about what new regulations are coming and how much they will cost? Once they have that information, affected individuals and job creators will be able to plan and budget meaningfully for new costs they may have to absorb. If they are denied that information, they will only be blindsided. That is not fair. Title II of the bill makes sure this information is provided to the public. To provide a strong incentive to agencies to honor its requirements, title II prohibits new regulations from becoming effective unless agencies provide transparent information online for 6 months preceding the regulation's issuance. The amendment seeks to eliminate that incentive. Without an incentive like that in existing law, what have we seen from the Obama administration? Repeated failures to make disclosures required by statute and executive order, including the administration's year-long hiding of the ball on new regulations during the 2012 election cycle. I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
