Walberg’s Bipartisan Good Government Transparency Bill Passes the House
Washington, D.C.—Congressman Tim Walberg's (MI-07) bipartisan legislation to provide greater transparency and help restore the integrity of the federal government's rulemaking process passed the House of Representatives today. H.R. 5226, the Regulatory Integrity Act, requires agencies to post, in a central location, all communications they issue during the proposed rule stage so that the public can fully participate and trust that the rulemaking process is neutral and unbiased. Click here to watch Congressman Walberg's remarks on the House floor.
"The people I represent in Michigan's 7th district are ready to offer honest and thoughtful feedback on pending regulations, but they currently lack confidence that federal agencies are actually open to their insights and constructive criticism. Too often, we've seen federal agencies treat the rulemaking process as a perfunctory act with a predetermined outcome, instead of genuinely asking for and considering public feedback. This bipartisan legislation will increase transparency and help ensure that the American people's voices are heard as significant rules that affect their daily lives are developed," said Congressman Walberg.
The Regulatory Integrity Act would increase transparency to help prevent future instances of misconduct like what occurred during the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) covert campaign efforts during the public rulemaking process for the flawed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office concluded the EPA overstepped and issued a report that said the agency undertook "covert propaganda" and "grassroots lobbying" during the process.
"The GAO's report last year about the EPA violating lobbying laws by funding advocacy efforts around the WOTUS rule further indicates why we must maintain integrity and trust in the process for all citizens," said John Kran, Associate National Legislative Counsel of the Michigan Farm Bureau. "Congressman Walberg's bill is one key step in helping to increase transparency in the federal rulemaking process.
"This administration has yet to miss an opportunity to force burdensome regulations on the people of Michigan and this country who are simply looking to grow their businesses and create jobs," said Jeff Wiggins, State Director of Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan. "The Regulatory Integrity Act will put in place reforms that will create the transparency and accountability necessary to ensure that those hardworking business owners and job creators are heard during the rule-making process."
Congressman Walberg serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In addition, he serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress visit walberg.house.gov.