Unnecessary Agency Regulations Reduction Act of 2023
Impact
The bill's implementation is anticipated to lead to significant changes in the way federal regulations are managed. Agencies will be required to conduct annual reviews to identify regulations that no longer serve their intended purpose or that overlap with other rules. This could affect a wide range of industry regulations, potentially lowering compliance costs for businesses and increasing innovation due to reduced regulatory barriers. Supporters argue that this will foster a more competitive economic environment while making federal agencies more accountable for their regulatory decisions.
Summary
SB2953, titled the Unnecessary Agency Regulations Reduction Act of 2023, aims to streamline and reduce the burden of federal regulations by identifying and either consolidating or repealing unnecessary major rules administered by federal agencies. This legislative initiative is designed to alleviate compliance costs for businesses and improve the overall efficiency of government operations by ensuring that only essential regulations remain in force. According to the bill, major rules that are found to be duplicative, burdensome, or outdated will be targeted for removal, providing a systematic approach to regulation reform.
Contention
However, the bill is not without its critics. Opponents have raised concerns that the focus on streamlining regulations may sacrifice important health, safety, and environmental protections. They argue that the expedited review process for federal regulations could lead to significant safeguards being overlooked or eliminated. Furthermore, the definitions of 'duplicative' and 'burdensome' are seen as vague, which could lead to misunderstandings or misuse in determining which regulations should be repealed. Thus, the debate will likely center around balancing regulatory thriftiness with necessary protections for public interests.
Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2024
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People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Act or the People CARE ActThis bill establishes the People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Commission within the legislative branch to review federal means-tested programs for potential reform.Under the bill, means-tested programs are those designed to provide assistance to low-income individuals, including, for example, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The commission is generally directed to review all federal means-tested programs with the exception of certain specified programs, including Social Security, Medicare, and certain veterans’ benefits programs.The commission is directed to identify and evaluate potential changes to federal means-tested programs, such as consolidation with other programs, delegation of certain functions to states, and the establishment of gradual benefit reductions tied to increases in beneficiaries’ income. The commission is also directed to consider changes that would allow caseworkers to identify all of the appropriate programs for individuals and families. The commission must establish a website through which members of the public may submit suggested reforms for consideration. The commission is to be comprised of eight members, with an equal number of members appointed by the majority and minority parties. At the conclusion of its term, the commission must report to Congress with its findings and proposed legislation implementing any recommended changes. Congress must consider the legislation under expedited procedures.