House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and all House committee leaders are warning the Obama administration to cease and desist from issuing any remaining 11th-hour regulations in the final weeks of Obama’s presidency.
They explained in a letter sent Tuesday night that leaving the regulations to the side, for now, would give the incoming Trump administration and the Republican majority in Congress the ability to review the rules and provide the necessary direction. Not abiding by their counsel would result in the 11th-hour regulations being dismantled next year.
“Should you ignore this counsel, please be aware that we will work with our colleagues to ensure that Congress scrutinizes your actions — and, if appropriate, overturns them — pursuant to the Congressional Review Act,” the letter warned.
The California Republican and 21 committee chairmen sent the letter to every agency head in government, explaining that continuing on the White House’s path of “audacious executive action” through the end of the year would be damaging to the American people.
“As you are aware, such action often involves the exercise of substantial policymaking discretion and could have far-reaching impacts on the American people and economy,” the GOP’s letter read. “Considering these potential consequences, we write to caution you against finalizing pending rules and regulations in the Administration’s last days.”
The letter explained that by refraining from issuing the rules with “undo haste,” the agencies would have more time to evaluate their costs and stop any potential damaging effects to the economy and business.
Meanwhile, both Senate and House chairman were also busy sending warning signals throughout the week. The new incoming Senate environment committee chairman, John Barrasso, R-Wyo., threatened to use congressional authority to repeal a new final rule for stopping methane leaks that the Interior Department issued Tuesday. The rule would add significant new cost to oil and natural gas drillers that operate on federal lands.
“The Republican majority in Congress will not let this rule stand,” Barrasso said. “We will work with President-elect Trump to revoke this rule either administratively or through the use of the Congressional Review Act.”
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., sent a separate letter to the head of the Federal Communications Committee on Tuesday, warning the agency not to issue 11th-hour rules, and to instead focus on carrying out its duties already outlined by the law.
