H.R.377 - Regulation Reduction Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.377, the Regulation Reduction Act of 2025, mandates that federal agencies repeal at least three existing regulations for every new regulation issued. Major rules require a certified cost analysis by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, ensuring the cost of the new rule is less than or equal to the cost of those repealed.
The bill aims to reduce regulatory burden and promote efficiency within government agencies. It requires agencies to review existing rules and identify those that are costly, ineffective, duplicative, or outdated.
The Act includes exceptions for rules related to internal agency policy or those revised to be less burdensome.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be a reduction in the overall number of federal regulations. This could lead to decreased compliance costs for businesses and individuals.
Agencies will be required to prioritize the elimination of outdated or ineffective regulations. This could lead to a more streamlined and efficient regulatory environment.
The Act may also slow down the implementation of new regulations, as agencies must first identify and repeal existing ones.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced compliance costs for businesses, potentially freeing up resources for investment and job creation.
- Streamlined regulatory environment, making it easier for businesses to understand and comply with regulations.
- Increased government efficiency through the elimination of outdated or duplicative regulations.
- Potential for innovation as businesses face fewer regulatory hurdles.
- Greater transparency in the regulatory process through the publication of repealed rules in the Federal Register.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential weakening of environmental, health, and safety protections if regulations are repealed without adequate consideration of their impact.
- Increased risk of negative externalities, such as pollution or workplace hazards, due to reduced regulation.
- Slower implementation of new regulations needed to address emerging challenges.
- Possible difficulty in finding suitable regulations to repeal, leading to delays or compromises in the quality of new regulations.
- Uncertainty and instability in the regulatory environment as agencies constantly repeal and issue new rules.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act's focus on regulatory reform aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on promoting the general welfare (Preamble). Congress has the power to legislate and oversee the executive branch's regulatory actions (Article I, Section 1).
The requirement for agencies to review existing rules and identify those that are costly, ineffective, or outdated could be seen as an effort to ensure that regulations are consistent with the Constitution's principles of due process and equal protection (5th and 14th Amendments).
However, the Act's potential impact on environmental, health, and safety regulations could raise concerns about the government's responsibility to protect the health and safety of its citizens, which is also implied in the Preamble's reference to promoting the general welfare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).