GOP readies "Midnight Rule Relief Act" to stop Obama from last-minute regulations

[The Tradition]

Republican lawmakers on Thursday unveiled legislation intended to block a burst of last-minute "midnight regulations" from the Obama administration.

The Midnight Rule Relief Act, introduced by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), would establish a post-election moratorium on new regulations that cost the economy $100 million or more annually.

necessary for imminent health or safety threats, along with enforcement of criminal laws and national security. Rules that would repeal existing regulations would also be exempt.

“Given the Obama administration’s tendency to over-regulate and overreach, the American people can expect to see a surge of last minute regulations in the President’s waning days in office,” Walberg said in a statement.

“This bill will hold outgoing administrations in check and ensure small businesses in Michigan and across the country aren’t faced with a new onslaught of excessive regulations that stifle wages, job creation, and economic growth.”

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which backs the legislation, said rules passed at the end of an administration typically lack in-depth study or sufficient time for public comment.

“Small business owners struggle to keep up with the constant creation of new regulations,” said Amanda Austin, NFIB's vice president of public policy.

“Rushed regulations are even worse for them as agencies often overlook the effect of the new rules on small employers. Agencies shouldn’t be able to cut corners as the clock winds down on the Obama administration.”

http://thehill.com/regulation/legis...acked-bill-aims-to-block-midnight-regulations

 

[soybean]

And the GOP says Obama doesn't obey the Constitution.

 

[The Tradition]

And the GOP says Obama doesn't obey the Constitution.

Huh?

 

[Hoosierhawkeye]

We can do it but our opponents can't.

Not totally against the idea in the long term but the Republicans didn't try to pass anything of the sort when Bush was on his way out. Now that Obama is, it's instantly important legislation.

Wouldn't be surprised if they tried to overturn the law once a Republican president was in office.

 

[MitchL]

It's kind of hard to think that this action is going to reflect positively on the GOP controlled Congress. Is there so little common sense from these elected officials that they think the American voters will see not see this as an election year obstructionist action?

The level of stupidity is simply amazing. Not surprising that our own Sen. Ernst is putting her name on this. I assume the others are safe in that they are not up for reelection this fall.

This won't end well for the Republicans no matter what the outcome.

 

[The Tradition]

First of all, it's only symbolic. Obama certainly isn't going to sign such a bill.

The only way Congress could do anything like this is to defund the regulatory agencies in the budget process and dare Obama to veto the budget bill thus shutting the entire government down.

The GOP has been doing this wrong all along.

 

[HawkAttackDial911]

USA! USA! USA!

 

[thewop]

This bill has no chance, but it should probably be done, maybe right after the new president is sworn in next year.

Make this the last time it happens.

 

[cigaretteman]

Republicans gonna Republican. Waste time and effort on symbolic legislation that has no chance of becoming law to pander to the wingnut base and bash Obama.

 

[Lone Clone]

And the GOP says Obama doesn't obey the Constitution.

That's a ridiculous thing to say.

The Bamster -- who actually does NOT believe the Constitution applies to him, as he has demonstrated frequently -- won't sign it, so it doesn't matter except symbolically. But that's important. It helps put a spotlight on last-minute shenannigans.

It might not work. Bill Clinton simply didn't care what people thought of his last night sale of pardons, and Obama probably doesn't care about this, either. But the members of Congress have an obligation to try to protect the country from would-be dictators. .