Press Releases

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 469, the Sunshine for Regulations and Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act today. Sponsored by fellow Georgian Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA-09), this legislation will uphold a fair and transparent regulatory process. Congressman Rick W. Allen (R-GA-12) supported this legislation, and urged his colleagues to support the bill on the House Floor:

“I rise today to support my fellow Georgian, Congressman Doug Collins’ bill – H.R. 469. One of the biggest complaints I hear about the Federal Government is about the lack of accountability or these ‘back room deals.’ One glaring example of this is what is referenced to as sue-and-settle litigation.

“Under previous administrations, left-leaning groups would sue a federal agency to try and enact regulatory changes without going through the normal rule-making process. Both parties, the federal government and special interest groups, settle in court with an already agreed upon deal. Regulatory rules are then made quickly without any public notice or the input of any other relevant parties– but carry the rule of law. These new rules are often the most burdensome and cost our businesses billions of dollars each year.

“This doesn’t sound like ‘draining the swamp’ to me.

“H.R. 469 stops these unfair arrangements by requiring agencies to publicly post and report to Congress on sue-and-settle complaints, consent decrees and settlement arrangements. It also prohibits the same-day filing of complaints and settlement agreements in cases seeking to compel agency action. 

“Congressman Collins’ legislation, the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act, will provide greater accountability and transparency to the American public while stopping special interests from improperly influencing our nation’s regulatory regime. We must uphold a fair and transparent regulatory process – the American people demand this from us. I urge my colleagues to support the rule on this common-sense legislation and I yield back.”

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