Barrasso Backs Creation of Federal ‘Jobs Impact Statements’

U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) on Thursday joined Representative Lee Terry (R-NE) in introducing legislation to force the Federal Government to take into account the impact of any proposed regulation on jobs and the economy. Barrasso says the Employment Impact Act would require all federal agencies to complete a "Jobs Impact Statement", similar to "Environmental Impact Statements", when there is potential for job loss because of a federal action.

A release from Barrasso says the statements would examine and detail the impact on jobs of federal decisions. They would include an assessment of the jobs that would be lost and/or gained as a result of the proposed action; any adverse effect on jobs and job opportunities which could not be avoided should the proposal be implemented; alternatives to the proposed action; the relationship between any local short-term impacts on jobs and job opportunities and the maintenance and enhancements of long-term productivity.

It's unacceptable that the federal government that the federal government requires environmental analyses, but doesn't bother to look at the impact of its policies on jobs. We need to make it easier and cheaper, not harder and more expensive for the private sector to create jobs. Our bill will encourage job-growth and finally hold Washington accountable for its job-crushing regulations.
-Senator Barrasso

The legislation would also require that Federal officials take into account the cumulative impact on jobs and job opportunities of concurrently pending proposals affecting a particular industry or sector of the economy.

We cannot risk allowing poorly-planned regulations to continue prohibiting job growth in the United States. With our economy struggling, onerous or misguided regulations from unelected federal agencies are more than just necessary inconvenience to American small businesses - they are proving to be a back breaker. The American taxpayer deserves to know just what these new regulations will cost or add to our economy.
-Representative Terry

Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and David Vitter (R-LA) are original cosponsors of the Employment Impact Act.