Washington, D.C. — Center for American Progress Executive Vice President for Policy Carmel Martin issued the following statement on the introduction of the Regulatory Accountability Act, which would severely undercut protections for workers, consumers, and the environment while providing a huge giveaway to big business:
At every opportunity, the Trump administration brags about its efforts around “regulatory reform.” The American people should see right through this spin and understand “regulatory reform” for what it truly is: helping big business while snatching away protections for workers, consumers, and the environment. In the first 100 days of his presidency, Trump and congressional leaders have already eliminated protections that would keep toxic pollutants out of drinking water, stop federal contractors from stealing their employees’ wages, and protect people’s internet browser history from being sold without their consent.
The Regulatory Accountability Act will place costs to industry ahead of benefits to the public; make it harder for agencies to respond to new threats to health and safety; and make it easier for large corporations to hold up necessary protections in court. Coupled with Trump’s proposal to gut agencies that protect workers, health, and the environment, it’s clear that in the Trump administration, big business will reap the benefits while everyday Americans pay the price. Members of Congress need to be clear about whose side they’re on: hardworking families or Trump and his industry friends.
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Tom Caiazza at [email protected] or 202.481.7141.