Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt posted a series of statements on August 18, 2025, highlighting legislative efforts related to disability savings and expressing concerns about recent federal court decisions affecting Congressional oversight of federal regulations.

In his first post, Schmitt wrote, "The One Big Beautiful Bill is a WIN for individuals with disabilities and their families. It includes the ENABLE Act, my bill to expand ABLE accounts permanently and allow Americans with disabilities to save and invest without jeopardizing other federal benefits." The ENABLE Act aims to make it easier for people with disabilities to save money without risking eligibility for certain government programs.

Later that day, Schmitt addressed a recent judicial ruling: "Led by liberal judges, a federal court just undermined one of Congress's most powerful tools to rein in the Administrative State. The court's decision allows unelected bureaucrats in DC to impose rules that Congress and the President expressly rejected. Let me explain. https://t.co/nbbqD2R2YP" He criticized the decision as diminishing Congressional authority over regulatory actions taken by executive agencies.

In a subsequent message, Schmitt referenced his efforts using the Congressional Review Act (CRA): "That's why I've championed using the CRA to repeal dozens of harmful Biden-era regulations and make sure they don't come back. For example, Congress and President Trump repealed a series of Biden-Dep't of Energy regs that hurt American energy dominance. https://t.co/WNK6vpwuhI" The CRA is a legislative tool that allows Congress to overturn federal agency regulations within a specified time frame after they are finalized.

ABLE accounts were established under the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014. These tax-advantaged savings accounts are designed for individuals with disabilities so they can save funds without losing access to means-tested federal benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Over time, lawmakers have proposed expansions or improvements to these accounts through additional legislation like the ENABLE Act.

The debate over administrative rulemaking often centers on the balance between agency expertise and Congressional oversight. The Congressional Review Act was enacted in 1996 as part of an effort by Congress to exercise greater control over regulatory actions taken by executive branch agencies.