Congressman Nick Begich Applauds House Passage of the Midnight Rules Relief Act to Overturn Biden’s Lame-Duck Regulatory Onslaught

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 12, 2025 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) voted in favor of H.R. 77, the Midnight Rules Relief Act, which streamlines the Congressional review process and ensures that Congress can efficiently roll back these eleventh-hour rules and prevent outgoing administrations from burdening the American people with job-killing regulations on their way out the door. By streamlining the Congressional Review Act (CRA) process, H.R. 77 allows Congress to repeal harmful midnight rules in one legislative package rather than one at a time.

In the closing months of the Biden Administration, bureaucrats pushed through a staggering 1,500 new regulations—costing American taxpayers and businesses an estimated $1.3 trillion. Many of these regulations directly impact Alaska, stifling resource development, raising energy costs, and making it harder for businesses to grow and thrive.

“This bill is about accountability. The Biden Administration knew its radical agenda wouldn’t pass through Congress, so they rammed through a mountain of regulations in their final days. These midnight rules hurt Alaska’s industries—our fishermen, miners, energy producers, and small businesses—all of whom are now forced to navigate costly, unnecessary red tape. Congress shouldn’t have to waste time unraveling a flood of last-minute overreach when we should be focused on securing America’s future,” said Congressman Begich.

The Biden Administration’s last-minute rulemaking disproportionately impacted Alaska, imposing new restrictions on responsible resource development, land use, and energy production. From NPR-A to federal land withdrawals and excessive permitting requirements, these regulations threaten jobs and economic opportunities across the state. The Midnight Rules Relief Act ensures that Alaska isn’t left paying the price for Washington’s regulatory overreach.

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