Dear Mr. Lang:

Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns regarding federal agencies subverting the will of Congress.  I appreciate you taking the time to contact me and I’m honored to respond.

I agree with your concerns and continue to be troubled by the rise in federal agencies issuing rules/regulations with no jurisdiction to do so, including the two that you mentioned in your letter.  As you know, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued its “Net Neutrality” regulations, it did so without any authority from the Congress.  Just last month I voted for an amendment to prevent the FCC from implementing any “Net Neutrality” regulations because I believe that the FCC’s actions were a huge overreach.  I am also adamantly opposed to the Environmental Protection Agency’s politically biased rules and regulations, such as the greenhouse gas regulations, and have, and will continue to, support all initiatives to reverse these overreaches.  You will also be happy to learn that I am a cosponsor of H.R. 10, the REINS Act (Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act) which would require the Congress to affirmatively approve every new major rule proposed by the Executive Branch before it can be enforced on the American people.

Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.  Please know that I will continue to stand up for the power of the Congress and against overreaches of federal agencies.  If I may be of any further assistance please feel free to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Walter B. Jones
Member of Congress