How Is Regulation Hurting Job Growth?

The old adage by Benjamin Franklin goes, “The only thing certain in life is death and taxes.” Today, we could update that maxim to include death, taxes, and regulations.

In an unprecedented fashion, there has been a landslide of regulations coming out of Washington that threaten our already fragile economy.

According to the President’s own Office of Management and Budget, since fiscal year 2009, 162 major rules have been issued, many of these rules having an impact of $100 million or more annually on the economy. Along with the other challenges businesses face today, Washington’s red tape kills job growth and slows our recovery.

For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a mammoth 276-page book of rules to regulate boilers, called “Boiler MACT.” Hundreds of thousands of churches, factories, restaurants, schools and even farms across the country who use boilers to generate electricity would be required to conduct emissions testing and comply with regulations.

A study by the Council of Industrial Boiler Owners on the draft Boiler MACT rules found that for every $1 billion spent on upgrade and compliance costs, 16,000 jobs will be put at risk and U.S. GDP would be reduced by as much as $1.2 billion. Thankfully, through the work of several of my colleagues in the House, the EPA finally saw the light and delayed implementation of this rule.

Still, burdensome regulations, and the threat of proposed regulations like Boiler MACT, create a climate of uncertainty that chills employers from hiring or investing.

To help alleviate the burden of government red tape, House Republicans are auditing existing and pending regulations to identify and address those that hinder economic growth. In order to do that effectively, we want to hear from business owners, employers and entrepreneurs who are working to grow our private sector employment.

How has government hindered your ability to expand and hire new employees? Speak out on burdensome regulations by visiting a new page on my website to offer your perspective and experiences.

Your input will aid me in my legislative decisions and will be used to publicly educate Congress and the American people about the challenges facing U.S. job creators.

The size and scope of government has exploded. Enough is enough. The Administration’s heavy-handed approach to regulations and hostile relationship with job creators has taken a toll on our economy.   Washington should be focused on reducing the barriers to success for job creators, not making it more difficult for them. I look forward to supporting common-sense, pro-growth policies that remove Washington as a roadblock to job creation and restore confidence in our private sector.