Peterson Remarks on Regulatory Accountability Act

WASHINGTON - Congressman Collin C. Peterson spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today in support of H.R. 185, the Regulatory Accountability Act of 2015. The House passed the bipartisan legislation with a 250-175 vote. Peterson is a lead sponsor of H.R. 185 and his remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.

Floor Statement by Congressman Collin C. Peterson

H.R. 185, Regulatory Accountability Act of 2015

January 13, 2015

--As Prepared for Delivery--

"I thank the gentleman.

"M__ Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 185, the Regulatory Accountability Act of 2015. This is common sense legislation and I urge my colleagues to vote in support.

"Our farmers, ranchers and businesses are all feeling the burden of increased regulations and we need to act to ensure they are not regulated out of business.

"We all understand how difficult it is to pass legislation but it is often even harder to get a regulation written correctly. Rather than following the intent of the law, we've seen interest groups using the regulatory process to interpret the law in their best interests. That should not be the case.

"H.R. 185 will create a more streamlined, transparent and accountable regulatory process and give the American people a stronger voice in agency decision-making.

"Specifically, the bill:

* Requires agencies to choose the lowest cost rulemaking alternative;

* Streamlines administrative hearings to provide for more stakeholder input; and

* Provides for more judicial review of new agency regulations.

"Similar legislation received bipartisan support in the House in previous Congresses and I urge my colleagues to again support these common sense reforms.

"Thank you, M__ Speaker; I yield back."