The end of regulating behind closed doors – Congressman Bob Goodlatte

The Sunshine Act is working its way through the House

Wouldn’t you want to know how the outcome of settling a lawsuit would impact you? Odds are that the answer is yes, especially if it means significant costs for the business where you work or changes in operations that could cost jobs.

But through a legal maneuver called “sue and settle” used by activist groups and past administrations, settlements are often written behind closed doors without the input of those affected. By the time the settlements see the light of day, it’s normally too late for anyone who opposes the resulting agreement to do a thing about it. That just doesn’t sit right with me.

Last week, the House Judiciary Committee, which I chair, passed the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act, which puts an end to the abuse of this practice. The Sunshine Act is a timely solution to a real and important problem. By ensuring greater transparency and accountability, this bill is another common sense solution the Committee is taking up to curb regulatory abuse so that America’s job creators and innovators aren’t buried under mountains of job-killing regulations. Click here to learn more about this issue in my weekly column.

BIG NEWS USA Today: House passes sweeping overhaul of law to combat human trafficking

House Passes Bill Supporting U.S. Troops: On Friday, the House passed a bipartisan bill that provides the readiness, resources, and reforms needed to build a 21st century military. It also includes the largest pay raise for our troops in eight years – something they greatly deserve.

The National Defense Authorization Act now heads to the Senate, and I urge them to take it up quickly. Our men and women in uniform need to know that their country is behind them.

In Case You Missed It: Want to know more about Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act passed by the House earlier this month? Watch my recent interview with WHSV’s Bob Corso.

A Few Photos From Last Week 

From hundreds of beautiful quilts to the historic Warren-Sipe House, the Virginia Quilt Museum in Harrisonburg has quite a bit to see. I enjoyed stopping by last week to tour the museum and meet some of the folks behind its success.

It was good to visit with residents at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in Harrisonburg and take some of their questions. I appreciate the warm welcome.

I went out to Healing Strides of Virginia this weekend to learn more about their work and equine assisted therapy. Thanks for showing me the “reins.”

Should you have further questions, please visit the “Contact Bob” section of my website or call (202) 225-5431.