Shortly after taking office, former President Trump utilized the Congressional Review Act to swiftly dismantle Obama-era regulations, setting a precedent for future administrations. Now, with plans to employ the same tactic if re-elected, Trump aims to undo much of President Biden's agenda, prompting a race by Biden's aides to safeguard regulations.
Amidst a surge of regulatory activity, both administrations are preparing for potential shifts in power, highlighting the significance of regulatory strategy in shaping policy legacies.
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Steven J. Balla is an Associate Professor of Political Science as well as Public Policy and Public Administration, and International Affairs. He is also the Co-Director of George Washington Regulatory Studies Center. He studies transparency, participation, and responsiveness in policymaking in Greater China and the United States. He is currently working on projects on polarization in public commenting; stakeholder participation in midnight rulemaking; transparency, participation, responsiveness in policymaking and the responsiveness of the government to public participation.
Balla has authored several articles on the Congressional Review Act, including an empirical analysis entitled Beyond Republicans and the Disapproval of Regulations.
Sarah Hay is a policy analyst at the George Washington University Regulatory Studies Center. Her research interests include public participation and equity in the regulatory process and systems of government. She is also studying the Congressional Review Act. Prior to joining the Center, Sarah worked at the George Washington University’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations.
Hay recently released a regulatory insight report on the Congressional Review Act, including a breakdown on how it works and how Congress uses it.
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