This op-ed by State Policy Network’s Ray Nothstine first appeared in the Washington Examiner.

One of the very best ways to protect representative government is by making the REINS Act into law . Introduced by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL), “REINS” is short for ” Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny.” The REINS Act helps give lawmaking power back to Congress instead of the unelected bureaucracy that operates outside the bounds of our Constitution and democratic principles.

The legislation would require Congress to approve by vote any regulation with an economic impact of over $100 million. More than 30 organizations, including several state-based groups, also recently sent a letter to Congress, encouraging leadership to pass the REINS Act. Proponents argue it will increase cooperation between government agencies and accountability for members of Congress.

The founders were keenly aware of the history of extralegal maneuvers to bypass parliamentary authority. Article I of the Constitution explicitly states that “all legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress.”

Read the full piece in the Washington Examiner here.