[Comments on H.R. 3204]

GAO was requested to comment on H.R. 3204, which would submit most rules and regulations promulgated by the Executive Branch agencies to congressional scrutiny and possible legislative veto by either House. GAO stated that recent changes in the manner and extent to which information is required to be reported to Congress may make the reporting provision in this bill unnecessary. GAO also expressed concern about whether permitting congressional action on all proposed rules and regulations would improve efficiency and accountability. GAO agreed with a former Comptroller General's observations that an across-the-board congressional review of regulations would: (1) dilute accountability; (2) increase the propensity for delay and uncertainty in the regulatory process; (3) create an accompanying surge in the congressional workload; and (4) increase politicization of regulatory issues. GAO suggested promoting oversight of policy and program direction instead of increasing congressional control over specific agency decisions.