A bipartisan group of Senators has fired the first shot in an effort to overhaul the government's regulatory process, and liberal public-interest groups are shooting back to try to derail the initiative. But they face an uphill battle given the breadth of support for the measure.
The bill, co-sponsored by Sens. Fred D. Thompson, R-Tenn., chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee, and Carl Levin, D-Mich., would require federal agencies to analyze proposed major rules to determine if the benefits justify the costs. Certain rules would have to undergo "risk assessments" to ensure they are "scientifically sound," and judicial review would be limited.
During the 104th Congress, Republicans were unable to win approval of far-reaching regulatory reforms because of strong criticism about the impact on the environment and public health. The new measure, according to a Democratic aide, would provide for a "more coordinated and consistent approach among regulatory agencies."
Nevertheless, Gary Bass, the executive director of OMB Watch, blasted the bill as "a boon for the special-interest and K Street lobbying corridor," and said it adds "enormous amounts of red tape" by putting agencies on "an endless treadmill of chasing their tails in rereviewing existing rules."
Despite the criticism, Thompson is committed to holding hearings on the measure, though the timing is up in the air, given his panel's campaign finance probe.
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