Restoring the Separation of Powers Through Congressional Action, Reversing Executive Orders and Regulations
While the 115th Congress begins on January 3 at noon, President Barack Obama will continue to serve in the White House until January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
The Case for Scott Pruitt to Serve as EPA Administrator
Last week, President-elect Trump tapped Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to head the Environmental Protection Agency. In the past, Pruitt has sued the EPA, so it’s understandable that a quick…
Regulator-In-Chief: Obama Administration Has Issued 600 Regulations with Costs of $100 Million or More
Near the very end of President George W. Bush’s second term in January 2009, economist Veronique de Rugy challenged the assertion by then-President-elect Barack Obama that the two-term Republican…
The Federal Government’s New Overtime Rules Represent a Declaration of War on Job Flexibility and Small Employers
The Department of Labor recently finalized new standards to determine when salaried workers are eligible for overtime pay. While there is minimal evidence that these unilateral rule changes will achieve…
The Ozone Bureaucracy Complex: EPA Regulations That Can’t Distinguish Between a National Park and City Harm the Poor Most
In October 2015, the EPA announced a new standard for ground-level ozone, tightening its stringent existing standard even more. It set the new standard at 70 parts per million (0.0070%…
Regulations Work Overtime to Hurt Employees, Small Businesses
Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced revisions to the proposed rules interpreting the Fair Labor Standard Act’s regulations on the overtime compensation pay of white-collar, salaried workers.
With Seven-Day Extension, Obama Midnight is Dark and Full of Regulatory Terrors
The "drop dead date" for federal regulations is fast approaching and we are expecting more overreaching proposals. This is the last date that proposed rules can be finalized by…
Regulatory Dark Matter Leaves Congress in the Dark
In an April 19 report, Why Congress Must End Regulation by Guidance Document, the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) warns us about the enormous impact of federal agencies’ sub-regulatory “guidance”…
Regulatory State Threatens Jobs, Wages and Startups
The negative impacts of federal regulations on jobs, wages and innovation was the subject this week of hearings before the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA 49) opened…
19 Ridiculous Federal Criminal Laws and Regulations
One of the more interesting aspects of FreedomWorks’ justice reform project is studying the over-criminalization. It is an issue that many want to avoid, preferring instead to focus their efforts…