Legislative Letters
Re: Oppose H.R 21 & 26 – Radical Attacks on Public Protections
Jan 4, 2017
©2026 League of Conservation Voters
Chair Mike Lee (R-UT) sponsored an amendment to S.Con.Res. 7, the FY25 Senate Budget Resolution, to establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund highlighting legislation that would require both chambers of Congress to affirmatively approve all significant new agency actions to protect the environment, workers, consumers, and public health before they take effect. This legislation, the so-called Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, would be a tool for polluters and other corporate interests to scuttle new health and environmental safeguards that the public needs and supports. In addition to being harmful, this legislation is redundant given that Congress establishes the agencies, funds them, provides their authority, passes the statutes they implement, and retains oversight power and appropriations authority. The REINS Act would effectively delay or even shut down the implementation of existing laws, which could mean more premature deaths, illnesses, and other health impacts from polluters dumping toxins into our air and water. On February 21, the Senate approved the Lee amendment by a vote of 53-47 (Senate roll call vote 85). NO IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE. The Senate approved S.Con.Res. 7, as amended, on February 21, and the House took no action on this legislation in 2025.
©2026 League of Conservation Voters