Today, the U.S. House released its budget blueprint, primarily aimed at controlling federal spending and reforming federal entitlements. However, the document also explains how the House will evaluate cumulative regulatory burdens and streamline the rulemaking process. For example, the Budget notes, “Dodd-Frank has resulted in more than $32 billion in compliance costs.” The Affordable Care Act has resulted in even steeper costs for taxpayers and businesses.

With these burdens in context, the budget blueprint seeks to bring the U.S. regulatory system into the 21st Century. The Budget calls on Congress to adopt regulatory reform legislation that would:

• Eliminate unnecessary regulations and streamline rules;
• Pursue more cost-effective approaches to regulation;
• Ensure that regulations do not disproportionately disadvantage low-income Americans; and
• Apply a more open and transparent process when designing new regulations.

The House has already rolled out legislation aimed to address unnecessary rules and to create more transparency. Earlier this month, the American Action Forum (AAF) testified before the House Judiciary Committee on the SCRUB Act and what is known as “sue and settle” reform. AAF found that this legislation could save Americans $48 billion in regulatory costs and approximately 1.5 billion hours of paperwork.

The House has voted on other legislation this session that also aims to streamline federal regulations, but each regulatory reform package has met President Obama’s veto threat. The president has called on reform several times during his administration, but none of his measures are permanent or legally binding. Signing bipartisan legislation would begin to build the president’s reputation as an advocate of regulatory reform.

The FY 2016 Budget proposal is an outline of spending priorities and oversight functions, but it’s also a vision for essential government reform. A balanced budget and comprehensive regulatory reform will lay the foundation for a stronger economic future and a more accountable government.