The incoming US Congress’s powers to overturn regulations of the previous administration

During the election campaign in 2016, President-elect Donald Trump stated his intention to repeal or amend regulations issued by the Obama administration. Following the elections in the USA in November 2016, as well as the White House the Republicans will hold the majority in both chambers of the 115th Congress. It is thus likely that the legislative branch will work closely with the executive to achieve common objectives. Congress can always introduce and pass legislation that modifies regulations made by agencies.

However, passing new legislation can be a cumbersome process, and there are tactics for the opposition to delay action, such as making points of order and tabling certain motions. As an alternative, under certain circumstances and within a specific timeframe, Congress could use an expedited procedure, laid down in the Congressional Review Act (CRA) of 1996, to overturn federal regulations passed in the closing months of the outgoing administration.

Author: Micaela Del Monte

ESO: Background information: World becomes unpredictable as ‘populist’ Trump wins US election http://www.europeansources.info/record/world-becomes-unpredictable-as-populist-trump-wins-us-election/

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