President Trump and Congressional Republicans are rapidly dismantling Biden-era regulations using the Congressional Review Act, with several rollbacks already signed into law and more pending before the May 8 deadline.
At a Glance
- Congressional Review Act (CRA) Deadline Approaches
- Multiple Biden-Era Rules Repealed Under CRA
- REINS Act Introduced to Expand Congressional Oversight
- Supreme Court Decision Encourages Legislative Action
Trump Administration Reverses Biden-Era Regulations
Since returning to office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has prioritized the rollback of regulations implemented during the final months of the Biden administration. Utilizing the Congressional Review Act (CRA), the administration has successfully overturned several key rules, including the Environmental Protection Agency’s methane emissions fee and offshore oil drilling reporting requirements.
The CRA allows Congress to nullify federal regulations within a specific timeframe, and with the deadline approaching on May 8, 2025, Republican lawmakers are expediting efforts to dismantle what they view as overreaching policies from the previous administration.
Watch CBS News’s breakdown of the GOP’s regulatory rollback efforts.
Legislative Tools: The REINS Act and Beyond
In addition to the CRA, Republicans have reintroduced the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act. This legislation would require any federal regulation with an economic impact of $100 million or more to receive explicit Congressional approval before taking effect.
The REINS Act aims to enhance legislative oversight over significant regulatory actions, ensuring that major rules reflect the will of elected representatives. While the House has passed versions of the REINS Act in previous sessions, it has yet to become law and faces challenges in the Senate.
Supreme Court Decision Encourages Congressional Assertiveness
A recent Supreme Court decision has limited the deference traditionally granted to federal agencies in interpreting statutes. This shift empowers Congress to assert greater authority over regulatory matters, aligning with Republican efforts to reclaim legislative power from the executive branch.
The ruling has provided fresh impetus for lawmakers to scrutinize and potentially overturn regulations they believe exceed the intended scope of agency authority.
Future Implications and Ongoing Efforts
As the May 8 deadline approaches, additional CRA resolutions are under consideration, targeting rules from agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Notably, the House recently passed resolutions to nullify CFPB rules related to overdraft fees and digital payment services, with both measures awaiting President Trump’s signature. These actions underscore the administration’s commitment to reducing regulatory burdens and promoting economic growth.
While the success of these initiatives varies, the concerted effort to roll back Biden-era regulations signifies a significant shift in federal policy direction, emphasizing deregulation and legislative oversight.
