WASHINGTON — In an ambitious gesture to their business allies, House Republicans passed legislation Friday to reduce what the GOP calls “an avalanche” of unneeded, costly regulations.
Opponents call the bill an attempt to prevent the government from protecting Americans at their workplaces, in their homes and when they want a breath of fresh air.
The 253-167 vote sent the bill to the Democratic-run Senate, where it’s likely to die. Just in case, the White House has issued a veto threat.
Republicans insist the mostly technical legislation would simply force federal agencies to follow presidential directives that have often been ignored — including seeking the lowest cost. The objective, the GOP says, is to allow companies to use their money to hire workers.
But Democrats, the White House and government watchdog groups insist the aim is to get rid of aggressive rules approved by the Obama administration — regulations that businesses complain about.
“America faces an avalanche of unnecessary federal regulatory costs,” Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, the House Judiciary Committee chairman, said during House debate.
Democratic Rep. George Miller of California denounced the bill, saying the U.S. has spent great time and effort “to ensure when workers go to work every day, they will return safely to their home.”
The opponents insist the bill would require agencies to consider any suggestions by interested parties, allowing opponents to dial up their lobbyists to keep offering changes and delaying a proposed rule.
The bill would require an earlier analysis of costs and benefits, a provision that opponents say would lead to misinformation. Republicans counter that agencies now misuse the analysis to justify their decisions.
Opponents object to additional proceedings for rules with a projected cost of more than $1 billion. Republicans argue there are only seven such regulations pending.
