Legislation has been reintroduced in the new Congress that would limit the economic impact of regulations issued by the executive branch.

The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act was re-introduced in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. The Bowling Green eye doctor originally introduced the REINS Act in 2013, and the act has previously passed the U.S. House of Representatives in the former Congress.

Senate Bill 21 is one of the first bills filed in the 115th Congress and Paul was joined by 26 co-sponsors. It requires Congress to affirmatively approve every new “major rule” proposed by the nation’s executive branch. 

“Over time, Congress has excessively delegated its constitutional charge while failing to conduct appropriate oversight and retain accountability for the content of the laws it passes,” the legislation’s purpose statement said.

Major rules are defined as those that may result in an annual impact of $100 million or more, a major increase in costs or prices for American consumers or significant adverse effects on the economy.

“Increasingly, regulatory agencies are wreaking havoc on freedom and our economy by imposing rules that carry the force of law but lack approval by the people’s representatives,” Paul said in a news release. “Just ask Kentuckians about what the EPA’s war on coal has cost our state. REINS is an important first step toward increasing accountability, oversight, and transparency in Washington, and it’s one of the best ways President-elect (Donald) Trump and the new Republican Congress can show we’re responding to the American people’s demand for change.”

However, opponents of the measure argue that the U.S. already has many avenues for stopping onerous regulations, from the courts to public participation in the rulemaking process to new laws from Congress. They say the bill was designed to reward special interests rather than create jobs.

“This bill is just one additional tool for the wealthy and powerful to delay common-sense consumer protections,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.

Democrats said government regulations generally provide needed protections for families.

“We need strong regulations that protect the safety of the food that we eat, and the air that we breathe, and the water that we drink,” said Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga.

U.S. Rep Brett Guthrie, R-Bowling Green, said in an email Friday to the Daily News that the REINS Act is just one piece of a legislative package designed to “increase transparency throughout the federal government and limit the power of federal bureaucracies in the regulatory process.”

Guthrie, the longtime 2nd District congressman, said taxpayers have been waiting long enough.

“After eight years of countless regulations that have taken a heavy toll on our economy, taxpayers deserve a break,” Guthrie wrote. “By making the regulatory process more transparent and ensuring expensive regulations are subject to the oversight of Congress, we limit the ability of unelected Washington bureaucrats to enact these harmful regulations.”

Guthrie said the U.S. House package of proposals included the REINS Act of 2017; the Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2017, which would allow Congress to reverse any new regulations President Barack Obama enacts before he leaves office; and the Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act, which would increase transparency regarding how taxpayer money is being used to pay for regulations.

Kentucky’s newest congressman concurred with Paul and Guthrie that Congress needs to rein in the executive branch. U.S. Rep. James Comer, R-Tompkinsville, told the Daily News he supports the REINS Act as a way to get federal costs under control.

“I think (President) Obama has abused his power,” Comer said. “The U.S. Constitution is clear – there needs to be checks and balances. The president is passing out regulations and we don’t know the costs. Something needs to be done.”

— The Associated Press contributed information to this report.

— Follow business reporter Charles A. Mason on Twitter @BGDNbusiness or visit bgdailynews.com.