MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2014 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Watson

Senate Concurrent Resolution 549

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO PROPOSE THE "REGULATION FREEDOM" AMENDMENT TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION.

     WHEREAS, the growth and abuse of federal regulatory authority threaten our Constitutional liberties, including those guaranteed by the Bill of Rights in the First, Second, Fourth and Fifth Amendments of our Constitution; and

     WHEREAS, federal regulators must be more accountable to elected representatives of the people, not immune from such accountability; and

     WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence decried the imposition by the central government of "an absolute tyranny over these states" and a central government that "erected a multitude of New Offices and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harass our People and eat out their Substance"; and

     WHEREAS, states too often find themselves in a similar position today; and

     WHEREAS, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed with bipartisan support the "REINS" Act to require that Congress approve major new federal regulations before they can take effect; and

     WHEREAS, the President of the United States has unfortunately shown no inclination to sign the REINS Act if it were passed by both Houses of Congress; and

     WHEREAS, even if enacted, a law may be repealed or waived by a future Congress and President; and

     WHEREAS, an Amendment to the United States Constitution does not require the President's approval and cannot be waived by a future Congress and President:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That the Legislature of the State of Mississippi does hereby urge that the United States Congress vote to propose the "REGULATION FREEDOM AMENDMENT" to the U.S. Constitution as follows:

     "Whenever one-quarter (1/4) of the Members of the U.S. House or the U.S. Senate transmits to the President their written declaration of opposition to a proposed federal regulation, it shall require a majority vote of the House and Senate to adopt that regulation."

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to every Member of Congress and to the House Speaker and Senate President of every state Legislature in America.