Golden-Backed Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Passes House

WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R.357, the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act, bipartisan legislation introduced earlier this year by Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) and co-led by Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02). The bill would require all rules proposed by federal agencies, except in limited circumstances, to be reviewed, signed, and issued by an individual appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

“It’s simple: federal regulations should be made by officials who are accountable to the American people. House passage of this common-sense, bipartisan bill brings us one step closer to a more responsible and responsive government,” said Golden. 

“Preventing unelected career bureaucrats from initiating and issuing regulations is a common-sense solution to ensure greater accountability to American taxpayers in the rulemaking process. I’m pleased that our colleagues passed this bipartisan bill, which will help rein in Washington bureaucrats’ overreach of power,” said Cline.  

Despite Supreme Court rulings in 1976 and 1997 that held that rulemaking is a significant government power only to be exercised by government appointees, compliance with constitutional rulemaking requirements have been inconsistent. The Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act would require that these requirements are consistently met. 

Golden has been a leader in the fight to restore faith and trust in our democracy by getting money out of politics and ensuring public officials act in the public good.

###