South Lake Today

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, has voiced his support for H.R. 357, the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act, a piece of legislation aimed at curbing the power of career federal agency staff and giving more authority to Senate-confirmed senior appointees.

In a statement released after voting to pass the bill, Rep. Webster emphasized the need to rein in the administrative state and hold unelected bureaucrats accountable. He expressed his concern about the erosion of Congress' constitutional authority over the years, which has had significant consequences for the economy and the freedoms of Americans.

"Today, I voted to pass H.R. 357 which reins in the administrative state and holds unelected bureaucrats accountable," said Rep. Webster. "I have long advocated for Congress to take back the Constitutional Authority it's given away over the years to the Executive Branch, which has had significant consequences on our economy, and the freedoms and liberties of Americans."

Rep. Webster sees H.R. 357 as a step towards restoring the checks and balances as envisioned in the Constitution. He believes that the bill upholds the commitment to hold the government accountable and gives the American people a greater say in the regulatory process.

The Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act aims to limit the power of career federal agency staff to issue new rules. Instead, the authority to make such decisions would be given to Senate-confirmed senior appointees, who are subject to the scrutiny and approval of elected officials.

The legislation has gained support from lawmakers who believe that the current administrative state has become too powerful and lacks sufficient accountability. By transferring the rulemaking authority to Senate-confirmed senior appointees, it is hoped that the decision-making process will become more transparent and subject to greater public scrutiny.

Critics of the bill argue that it could lead to delays in rulemaking and hinder the ability of federal agencies to respond quickly to emerging issues. They express concerns about the potential politicization of the rulemaking process and the influence that Senate-confirmed appointees may have on policy decisions.

However, proponents of the legislation argue that it is necessary to restore the balance of power and ensure that decisions with significant impact on American citizens are made by individuals who have been vetted and approved by elected officials.

As H.R. 357 moves forward, it remains to be seen how it will be received by the Senate and whether it will ultimately become law. However, Congressman Webster's support for the bill sends a strong message about the need to address concerns regarding the administrative state and to restore Congress' role in the rulemaking process.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FD21BD0A-97E9-438C-A30F-B9A442BFAD0F