WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Oversight and Reform Committee passed the Guidance Clarity Act of 2021, which was introduced by House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.) earlier this year. This legislation provides greater clarity and transparency for Americans and small businesses by requiring each agency guidance document to state explicitly that it does not have the force and effect of law and is not binding.

“As small businesses across the country face the challenges associated with reopening, we must provide them with responsible, deregulatory policies that empower a return to independent operation. Business owners need clear rules of the road to ensure they can comply with all necessary laws and regulations. The Guidance Clarity Act helps small businesses navigate the Administration’s avalanche of red tape by ensuring all guidance documents clearly state they are not legally binding. This small but critical declaration protects businesses from any potential enforcement actions based solely on guidance instead of law or regulations. I want to thank Ranking Member Comer for his leadership in passing this important legislation out of his committee and look forward to its passage on the House floor,” said Congressman Luetkemeyer.

“Federal agency guidance is not the law, yet for too long federal agencies have sought to punish Americans and small businesses for not complying with it. This abuse ends with the Guidance Clarity Act of 2021, which will require agencies to state that guidance is not legally binding. I appreciate the leadership of Small Business Committee Ranking Member Luetkemeyer on this important legislation,” said Oversight Committee Ranking Member James Comer.