In response to the recent Supreme Court ruling that limited the authority of federal agencies in legal battles, Senate Republicans are taking steps to further reduce the power of the “administrative state.” The Supreme Court decision overturned the Chevron doctrine, which had been in place since the 1980s and allowed agencies to interpret regulations with deference from the courts.
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., is leading the charge with a new bill called the Separation of Powers Restoration Act (SOPRA). This legislation aims to shift legislative authority from administrative agencies back to Congress by implementing a de novo standard of review within the Administrative Procedure Act. This standard would ensure that courts do not give deference to agencies, creating a level playing field for citizens and businesses in legal disputes.
Additionally, a group of GOP senators are reaching out to 101 executive agencies to gather more information on rulemaking, civil enforcement actions, and adjudications in light of the Supreme Court’s decision. The goal is to enhance oversight and ensure that decisions are made by elected officials rather than unelected bureaucrats.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wy, emphasized the importance of restoring legislative powers to elected representatives and reining in the overreach of federal agencies. She highlighted the need to protect citizens from excessive regulations and ensure that agencies operate within the boundaries set by Congress.
Schmitt is also leading a working group of senators to address the issue of unlawful exercise of power by the administrative state and find ways to improve legislative processes. The focus is on returning decision-making authority to elected officials and creating a more representative government.
Overall, the efforts by Senate Republicans reflect a push to limit the influence of federal agencies and uphold the principles of separation of powers. By challenging the status quo and advocating for greater congressional oversight, lawmakers aim to protect the interests of citizens and promote a more accountable government.