S.648 - Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act of 2025; SCRUB Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The SCRUB Act of 2025 aims to reduce the burden of federal regulations on the U.S. economy. It establishes a process for reviewing and repealing existing rules and sets of rules deemed unnecessarily burdensome. The Act mandates that agencies offset the costs of new regulations by repealing existing ones of equal or greater cost, a process termed "cut-go".
Expected Effects
The Act could lead to a significant reduction in the number and cost of federal regulations. This could potentially stimulate economic growth by reducing compliance costs for businesses. However, it could also result in the repeal of regulations that provide important protections for the environment, public health, or worker safety, depending on how the review process is implemented.
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 operate and innovate.
- Increased government efficiency through the elimination of redundant or obsolete regulations.
- Potential for economic growth due to reduced regulatory burdens.
- Periodic review of regulations ensures they remain relevant and effective.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential repeal of regulations that protect the environment, public health, or worker safety.
- Risk of overlooking the non-monetized benefits of regulations, leading to their repeal based solely on cost considerations.
- Possible weakening of consumer protections.
- Judicial review may lead to legal challenges and uncertainty.
- The 33% cost reduction goal may lead to rushed or poorly considered repeals.
Constitutional Alignment
The SCRUB Act's focus on regulatory review and potential repeal aligns with the principle of limited government. Congress has the power to delegate regulatory authority to agencies, but it also has the power to oversee and modify those regulations. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or provisions. The Act's provisions for judicial review ensure that agency actions are subject to legal scrutiny, consistent with due process.
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).