GOP to attack unfunded federal mandates next week

House Republicans will make a new push next week to rein in federal rules and regulations that can cost local governments companies millions of dollars each year — 23 years after Republicans first sought to limit unfunded federal mandates.

GOP leaders will call up legislation to amend the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. That law required agencies to try to limit the cost of federal rules on local governments and companies, but Republicans say it has fallen short of its promise over the last two decades, and needs improvement.

For example, the original law required agencies to consider less expensive alternatives to "major" regulations that will impose costs of $100 million or more per year.

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