WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of Republican lawmakers is pushing forward a new deregulatory measure that aims to roll back federal oversight, a move they argue will reduce bureaucratic red tape but which critics warn could weaken essential consumer and environmental protections.
The Regulation Decimation Act, introduced in the House by Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-02) and in the Senate by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) alongside Sens. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and James Lankford (R-OK), seeks to require federal agencies to eliminate multiple existing regulations for every new one enacted. The proposal follows an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump on January 31, 2025, mandating agencies to identify at least 10 rules for repeal per new regulation introduced.
Supporters argue the bill will reduce government overreach
Sen. Scott framed the initiative as a necessary step to curb what he described as excessive government growth under the Biden administration, claiming that “hundreds of thousands of federal regulations” have cost Americans nearly $1.9 trillion.
Rep. Taylor echoed this sentiment, saying, “Congress must trim the fat from our bloated federal government to keep bureaucrats in check and lift the burden of unnecessary regulations from American families, businesses, and industries.” He added that the legislation could help “unleash American energy” and ease paperwork burdens for small businesses.
Concerns over potential impacts on public protections
However, while supporters argue that deregulation fosters economic growth, critics caution that gutting regulations en masse could have unintended consequences, particularly for worker safety, environmental standards, and financial protections.
Regulations targeted for repeal could include consumer protections, environmental safeguards, and workplace safety rules. Opponents argue that while some reforms may be warranted, a sweeping approach could disproportionately benefit large industries at the expense of public welfare.
Past deregulatory efforts under the Trump administration faced legal challenges and public backlash, particularly regarding environmental rollbacks and workplace protections. Democrats and regulatory watchdog groups are expected to push back against this latest proposal, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in how agencies choose which rules to eliminate.
The bill now moves forward in Congress, where it is likely to face partisan debate over the balance between reducing bureaucracy and ensuring critical protections remain in place.