House Republicans insist that President Obama is making the regulatory climate repressive for business – causing unemployment to rise. As a result – House Republicans plan to take up a bill – the Regulations of the Executive in Need of Review Act – this summer. The REINS Act would require Congressional approval of any new regulation with an economic cost of more than 100-million dollars. The House may have enough votes to pass the measure – but much debate would be expected in the Senate – if it makes it to the floor at all.

Some Senators – including Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy who is the Judiciary Committee Chairman – say such a measure would lead to even more gridlock. Republicans are firm believers that the private sector needs relief from federal regulation. Ohio Senator Rob Portman is a leader in the effort to require regulations in areas like nuclear safety, crop subsidies and auto fuel efficiency to gain Congressional approval before they go into effect. Supporting Senators say the U.S. needs to prevent disruptive regulations by presidents from taking effect without the consent of Congress. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley and Kentucky Senator Geoff Davis support this regulation legislation and say even if it doesn’t get passed this year – it will be part of their party’s campaign in 2012.