WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Dave Taylor (R-OH) unveiled the Regulation Decimation Act today, a bill that aims to dramatically reduce the number of federal regulations. The proposal comes as part of Taylor’s ongoing effort to counter what he describes as an explosion of government mandates under the Biden administration. Alongside Taylor, several GOP representatives, including Mark Harris (NC-08), Michael Rulli (OH-06), and others, have signed on as cosponsors of the bill.
In a statement, Taylor framed the issue as one of government overreach, arguing that regulations have been forced upon Americans at an alarming rate over the past four years. He pointed specifically to electric vehicle mandates and rules on kitchen appliances, calling them examples of the government “micromanaging” the daily lives of ordinary citizens. “Under the last four years of the Biden Administration, the number of regulations from government bureaucrats has soared and been shoved down the throats of Americans who are just trying to live their lives,” Taylor said.
The bill aims to change the regulatory landscape by requiring that for every new rule enacted, 10 existing regulations must be repealed. Taylor and his allies argue that this would reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and help American industries, particularly small businesses, thrive by lessening their regulatory burden. Proponents also claim it would foster energy independence and reduce paperwork.
While the bill’s supporters tout its potential to cut through government red tape, critics are wary of its implications. Some worry that the removal of regulations could lead to weaker consumer protections, looser environmental rules, and reduced workplace safety. “The federal government is meant to ensure our national defense capabilities and oversee the application of the law; not micromanage which car Americans drive and which appliances they can use in their kitchen,” Taylor argued, calling for Congress to rein in bureaucrats.
The proposal is reminiscent of the Trump administration’s deregulatory efforts, which saw two regulations eliminated for every new one enacted. During his presidency, Trump touted the benefits of this policy, which he claimed boosted economic growth and brought jobs back to American soil. Taylor’s bill, however, takes a more aggressive stance by demanding a much higher ratio of regulatory cuts—10 regulations for every new rule.
The legislation also seeks to build on recent Supreme Court decisions. In January 2024, the court overturned Chevron deference, a legal principle that allowed federal agencies significant leeway in interpreting laws. Taylor’s bill leverages this shift to argue that local decision-makers, rather than federal bureaucrats, should have more power over regulatory matters.
Despite its clear focus on deregulation, the Regulation Decimation Act has drawn concerns from critics who argue that the bill could undermine important protections in areas like healthcare, labor, and the environment. Advocates for stronger regulations warn that the bill could allow harmful practices to go unchecked in the name of deregulation.
As the bill moves through Congress, it’s likely to face significant pushback from Democrats and progressive groups who argue that regulations are essential for protecting public health and the environment. Whether the bill can garner enough support to pass remains uncertain, but its introduction highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between regulation and economic freedom in today’s polarized political climate.