Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB329

Introduced
2/9/23  

Caption

Write the Laws Act

Impact

If enacted, SB329 would fundamentally change the way federal regulations are created and enforced. The bill prohibits Congress from delegating legislative power, which means that any agency rule-making or regulation would need direct authorization from an act of Congress that adheres to this new standard. This would significantly affect existing laws and rules, requiring a reevaluation of the powers exercised by administrative agencies. The bill seeks a comprehensive report from the Comptroller General regarding existing delegations of legislative power and aims to phase out any found to be unconstitutional.

Summary

SB329, also known as the 'Write the Laws Act', aims to address concerns regarding the unconstitutional delegation of legislative power from Congress to administrative agencies. The bill seeks to restore the separation of powers as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, specifically emphasizing that the legislative authority vested in Congress cannot be delegated to any other branch of government. This legislation arises from the belief that the current system undermines the checks and balances intended by the framers of the Constitution, particularly through the actions of various agencies taking on legislative roles traditionally held by Congress.

Contention

Proponents of SB329 argue that the accumulation of power in administrative agencies leads to inefficiency and a lack of accountability, termed as mirroring a 'Star Chamber' system. They assert that the bill is necessary to prevent tyranny and ensure that laws are democratically enacted. However, opponents may contend that this bill could lead to legislative gridlock, as it removes the flexibility that agencies currently enjoy in responding to complex and rapidly changing issues. The debate over this legislation reflects broader concerns about governmental authority and the efficiency of federal regulation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB328

Read the Bills Act

US HB697

Justice for All Act of 2023

US SB142

Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act

US SB127

Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2023

US SJR44

A joint resolution directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Niger that have not been authorized by Congress.

US SB141

Housing our Military Veterans Effectively Act of 2024 HOME Act of 2024

US SB147

See Something, Say Something Online Act of 2023

US HB5192

21st Century Federal Writers’ Project Act

US SB60

Write the Laws ActThis bill prohibits an act of Congress from containing any delegation of legislative powers, whether to any component within the legislative branch, the President or any other member of the executive branch, the judicial branch, any agency or quasi-public agency, any state or state instrumentality, or any other organization or individual.The Government Accountability Office must identify to Congress all statutes enacted before the date that is 90 days after this bill's enactment that contain any delegation of legislative power.Any act of Congress, presidential directive, adjudicative decision, rule, or regulation that is enacted 90 days or more after this bill's enactment and is noncompliant with this bill shall have no force or effect.

US SB135

Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2023

Similar Bills

US SB328

Read the Bills Act

US HB464

Separation of Powers Restoration Act This bill restricts the ability of the President to exercise certain powers, such as declaring a national emergency. Specifically, the bill terminates all powers and authorities possessed by the President, any executive agency, or any federal officer that derive from a declaration of national emergency. It eliminates any statutory grant of authority allowing the President or any other officer or employee of the executive branch to declare a national emergency, specifying that such power is vested solely in Congress. Furthermore, for each presidential order (i.e., executive order, presidential proclamation, presidential directive, or similar presidential or executive branch instructions), the President must include a statement specifying the statutory or constitutional provision that grants the President the authority to issue the order. It also limits the effect of a presidential order to the executive branch, with certain exceptions, such as if the order cites the specific congressional enactment from which it derives its authority. The bill provides standing to challenge the validity of presidential orders to (1) certain federal, state, and local officials; and (2) persons adversely affected by the order. This bill also repeals the War Powers Resolution, a joint resolution that outlines procedures for Congress and the President to participate in decisions to send Armed Forces into hostilities.

US SJR39

A joint resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the article of amendment commonly known as the "Equal Rights Amendment" has been validly ratified and is enforceable as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and the Archivist of the United States must certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment without delay.

US HJR82

Expressing the sense of Congress that the article of amendment commonly known as the "Equal Rights Amendment" has been validly ratified and is enforceable as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and the Archivist of the United States must certify and publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the Twenty-Eighth Amendment without delay.

US HB4474

Confirmation Of Congressional Observer Access Act of 2023

US HB277

Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023 This bill revises provisions relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking. Specifically, the bill establishes a congressional approval process for a major rule. A major rule may only take effect if Congress approves of the rule. A major rule is a rule that has resulted in or is likely to result in (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, government agencies, or geographic regions; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. The bill generally preserves the current congressional review process for a nonmajor rule.

US HB4563

ACE Act End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023 Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Don't Weaponize the IRS Act American Confidence in Elections Act

US HR340

Recognizing the disenfranchisement of District of Columbia residents, calling for statehood for the District of Columbia through the enactment of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, and expressing support for the designation of May 1, 2023, as "D.C. Statehood Day".