House GOP Planning to Increase Oversight in the Next Congress

As a result of the November election and Republican control of the House in the next session, the GOP is planning to utilize the oversight function of all standing Committees to seriously evaluate the Obama administration’s regulatory agenda.   There will be several key tenets of the plan, including highlighting one major oversight hearing each week that plays into the overall focus on job creation and reducing spending. At a minimum, House hearings would be highlighted on the floor schedule and incorporated into the week’s priorities. Also, current rules will be changed to require Committees to issue oversight reports on a quarterly basis, rather than at the end of the Congress to ensure oversight work is prioritized. Finally, Committee reports would be brought to the floor for approval of its findings under appropriate circumstances. Republicans plan to conduct a comprehensive review of existing and proposed government rules, regulations and statutes that impose additional, unnecessary costs on employers and job creators. This was promised by incoming House Majority Leader Eric Cantor as he pledged to require a top to bottom reform focusing on 1) jobs and the economy, 2) reducing spending, and 3) shrinking the size of government while increasing and protecting liberty. Of particular interest to AGC, members of Congress are looking at identifying issues that negatively impacted job growth in the construction industry as well as identifying needed reforms. AGC has already begun the process of sharing information with Congressional leaders. In preparation to the change in power in January, AGC is currently conducting a similar review from the association’s membership and staff on rules, regulations, as well as proposed rules and regulations, that hinder growth and job creation within the construction industry. If you or your company has been impacted, please take a minute to share and comment with AGC so that we can communicate important anecdotal occurrences. To share your insight, contact Jim Young at (202) 547-0133 or youngj@agc.org.