Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. –   Congressmen Michael McCaul (TX-10), Phil Roe MD (TN-1), Rick Allen (GA-12), Dave Brat (VA-07), and Louie Gohmert (TX-01) introduce the One In, One Out Act to cut the red tape in order to get government out of the way where it is most harmful and let business owners do what they do best – hire, compete, innovate, and flourish. 

Specifically, this bill would require at least one deregulatory measure be found with greater or equal cost before a federal agency can impose a new costly regulation on small businesses.  Originally introduced in Britain in January 2011 as the One in, One-out rule, and increased to One-in, Two-out in January 2013, this policy reduced annual regulatory costs by almost $2.7 billion.  It wasn’t only successful at lowering costs, but also at making the UK a more desirable place to start a business.

Chairman McCaul: “We must put our money where our mouth is and finally recreate an environment where our small business owners are not simply keeping their head above water, but thriving.  The One In, One Out Act is the starting point to establish a system of regulating that prioritizes individuals and small businesses, and places innovation and competitiveness at the forefront of the decision making process.  Cutting this red tape is essential to making America great again.”

Congressman Roe: “If the United States’ regulatory system were a country, it would have the world’s 9th largest economy. Out-of-control regulating has undoubtedly slowed economic recovery, which is why I am proud to support the One In, One Out Act, commonsense legislation to begin the process of regulating smarter by capping the number of federal regulations. I thank Congressman McCaul for his leadership on this important issue, and I look forward to working alongside him and with President Trump to cut red tape and foster private-sector job growth.”

Congressman Allen: “Rules and regulations have overburdened Americans for the last eight years. Now is the time to scale them back.  The One In, One Out Act is good government and common sense at its core. Not only does this legislation require federal agencies to repeal or revise rules before they can issue a new one, it goes one step further by requiring that any new rules be of equal or lesser cost to Americans.  To begin growing our economy and creating jobs, we must reduce the size and scope of the federal government and tackle the mountain of red tape surrounding our nation’s job creators. For too long, Americans have had to comply with time-consuming rules and regulations. They are ready for growth and innovation – this legislation is the first step.”  

Congressman Gohmert: “Government regulations can be a burdensome hindrance to America’s economic growth. The One In, One Out Act is a necessary and common-sense piece of legislation that I am proud to co-sponsor. This bill will not only cut down on the red tape regulations issued by bloated government agencies – it will limit them as well.  Businesses can truly thrive when the amount of unnecessary and burdensome regulations are kept at bay.”

Congressman Brat: “The One In, One Out Act is a vital piece of legislation in our burdensome regulatory environment because it puts a cap on the total number of federal regulations. I hear every day from constituents who are drowning in red tape and unable to operate their businesses or provide for their families due to the actions of unaccountable government bureaucrats in DC.  For too long, government agencies have issued new regulations without cutting old ones, resulting in a maze of regulations that strangles businesses and economic growth.”