The Columbia Chamber of Commerce has signed a letter urging the United States Senate to consider and pass the Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017 (RAA). The Chamber is joined by a coalition of 616 signatories from each state. Support for the passage of this act comes from a wide-range of industries representing the diverse interests of American citizens and consumers.
The RAA is a critical step toward modernizing provisions under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) which many of the principles have not been addressed since its implementation in 1946. The act builds on existing principles of “fair regulatory process and review”, some have been applied through executive orders enacted during the Clinton administration. Good governance through transparency, accountability and integrity is the ultimate goal of the RAA and those who support it. If this passes, lawmakers can restore the checks granted to it by the Constitution.
The letter expresses broad support for the passage of the RAA following a bipartisan vote of 238-183 in the House of Representatives and encourages the Senate to do the same. Signatories to the letter believe that federal regulations should be “narrowly tailored, supported by strong and credible data and evidence, and impose the least burden possible, while implementing congressional intent.”
“Support in the House is very encouraging,” Columbia Chamber of Commerce President Matt McCormick said. “The changes we would like to see made to federal regulations will be critical in developing small business in Missouri.”
The Columbia Chamber of Commerce was established in 1905 and is a voluntary, member-supported organization of business, industrial and professional people who are dedicated to developing, promoting and maintaining a sound and healthy economic climate for Columbia. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce is recognized as a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the United States Chamber of Commerce which places it as one of the top operating chambers of commerce in the country.