Statecraft How OIRA Works
Oct 11, 2024
In this engaging discussion, John D. Graham, former OIRA Administrator under George W. Bush and a regulatory policy expert, sheds light on the inner workings of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. He shares insights on the evolution of cost-benefit analysis, the agencies that often resist OIRA, and the persistent challenge of command and control regulations. Graham also compares his regulatory philosophies with Dick Cheney's and highlights the intriguing dynamics of navigating regulatory politics within the government.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
OIRA Origins
- Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer, created OMB's precursor, emphasizing sensible regulations and paperwork reduction.
- Reagan amplified Carter's initiative, aggressively implementing it and reshaping federal power dynamics.
Reagan's Power Shift
- Reagan's executive order mandated agency regulations be reviewed by OIRA before publication.
- This shifted power from agencies (the "fourth branch") to the executive branch.
Nixon's Regulatory Overreach
- Nixon's era saw heavy regulation, including wage/price controls, a 55mph speed limit, and no Sunday gas sales.
- This overreach fueled bipartisan demand for regulatory reform, sparking intellectual and political interest.