The Regulatory Accountability Act of 2013 was re-introduced last week in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 2122) with a companion bill in the Senate (S. 1029). These bipartisan bills would update the process by which federal agencies promulgate regulations. It has been a process that has not been updated in more than 66 years.

The bills would seek to improve accountability and the integrity of the process by amending the Administrative Procedure Act. Specifically, they would: 1.) codify the duty to analyze the costs and benefits of new regulations; 2.) open the regulatory process to greater transparency and 3.) require agencies to follow a more evidence-based approach in crafting rules that will cost more than $1 billion annually.

MRAA is extremely pleased that both bills have substantial support. MRAA has long supported regulatory reform and works with many other industries.

“We applaud the sponsors of H.R. 2122 and S. 1029, including those who are original co-sponsors for their strong leadership on this very important issue,” said Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “MRAA looks forward to working with Congress to move this legislation forward.”

The MRAA recognizes the following Senators, including Bob Portman (R-OH), Mark Pryor (D-AR), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bill Nelson (D-FL), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Kelly Ayotte (R- N.H.), Angus King I-ME), and Mike Johanns (R-NE) and Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and six other Members of Congress for their efforts and support.