Sen. Paul Introduces REINS Act to Require Congressional Votes on Major Federal Regulations
This bill was recently introduced in the Senate and is currently being reviewed by the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It is in the early stages of the legislative process and is actively moving forward. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
This is a top priority for Republicans to limit agency power, but it often faces strong opposition from Democrats who argue it would make it too hard for the government to function.
Federal employees across regulatory agencies would face a fundamentally different work environment. Rulemaking staff would see their core function (writing and implementing regulations) subject to an extra layer of congressional approval, potentially making years of work on a regulation moot if Congress fails to act within 70 session days. The 10-year sunset and retrospective review requirements would also create a massive ongoing workload to resubmit and justify existing rules.
“If a joint resolution described in subsection (a) is not enacted into law by the end of 70 session days or legislative days, as applicable, beginning on the date on which the report referred to in subsection (a)(1)(A) is received by Congress”
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Republicans reintroduced the REINS Act of 2025 in the 119th Congress. The bill requires Congress to approve major federal agency rules with an economic impact of $100 million or more before they take effect, aiming to limit the authority of the administrative state.
The U.S. House removed REINS Act provisions from the final version of H.R. 1, the 2025 budget reconciliation bill, after senators debated whether the provisions would be allowed under the Byrd Rule. The provisions would have mandated congressional oversight for rules with a $100 million impact.
Kentucky lawmakers overrode Governor Andy Beshear's veto to enact a REINS-style law requiring legislative approval for rules costing $500,000 or more. Opponents argue the measure will hinder agency efficiency, while supporters say it restores constitutional balance.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2025
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