Contact:	Bob Redding (202) 543-1440
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin 96.70 Nov. 21, 1996

House Republicans To Pursue Focused Regulatory Reform

Washington, D.C., Nov. 21, 1996 -- Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives announced that they will abandon plans to push major legislation to revise and curtail federal regulations, in favor of more narrowly focused bills that address specific aspects of the regulatory process. Congressional representatives are meeting throughout the year in Washington, D.C., to discuss legislative priorities, elect leaders and assign committee and subcommittee chairmanships.

Sweeping overhaul of federal regulations was a major component of the Republican "Contract With America" in the last Congress and created controversy within the majority party. Pro-environmental issues became a rallying point for many Democrats who ran for House seats in the Nov. 5, 1996, elections.

Automotive Service Association (ASA) Washington Representative Bob Redding commented, "This announcement does not preclude legislative action to revise and amend provisions contained in the 1990 Clean Air Act. We expect to see bills introduced which, if enacted, will force incremental changes to vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance and other clean air initiatives."

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind serving more than 12,000 businesses and approximately 55,000 professionals from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA advances the professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services.