Democrats Call On Trump Administration to Extend Federal Schedule
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Disruptions to the way of life due to the coronavirus pandemic prompted the Democratic leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives to insist the Office of Management and Budget extend federal agencies’ deadlines for public comment periods on proposed rulemakings.
Specifically, 14 House committee chairmen asked that comment periods be extended by at least 45 days after the end of the declared national emergency. They also propose that OMB reschedule public hearings and meetings amid strict travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
The lawmakers notified OMB acting Director Russell Vought via letter April 1. The Trump administration is proceeding with various proposed rulemaking changes as it also responds to the global pandemic.
Comment Period Extension Request by Transport Topics on Scribd
“In light of the evolving situation concerning the coronavirus (‘COVID-19’) pandemic, we write to urge you to direct federal agencies to immediately reschedule all public hearings and meetings, and extend public comment periods,” the committee chairpersons wrote. “The global public health pandemic has already reached over 186,000 cases here in the United States, and claimed the lives of more than 3,600 Americans. It is also increasingly affecting all aspects of public life in the United States. The right of the American people to meet with federal agencies and comment on proposed actions is invariably affected by the ongoing pandemic.”
Signatories included Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. In their letter to OMB, the Democrats cited the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s aim at reforming its use of certain critical studies related to pollution.
“We are concerned that the disruptions caused by COVID-19 will deprive citizens, local communities, and other stakeholders the opportunity to engage with agencies on these major policy revisions and many other rulemakings,” the House Democrats added. “We request that you direct agencies to promptly postpone and reschedule when it again becomes feasible to hold public hearings and meetings.”
While the coronavirus pandemic shifted parts of the federal government’s focus to myriad emergency response efforts, the administration’s key rulemakings remain active. Regulatory matters under review pertain to commercial drivers’ allowable work time, which would seek to allow truck drivers additional flexibility with 30-minute rest breaks and their time in the sleeper berth. Also active is a move to streamline the permitting process outlined by the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed rulemaking to dedicate a significant aspect of auto safety airwaves for broadband uses.
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Early into his presidency, Donald Trump pressed ahead with a regulatory process directive to eliminate two regulations for each new one enacted. Top administration officials have touted the White House’s vision for regulatory reform. Last year, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced it was codifying the administration’s regulatory directive, as well as budgeting procedures. At that time, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said: “When rules are outdated, duplicative, overly complex and contradictory, they harm the cause of safety and effectiveness.”
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