What is deregulation? Here’s how it can drive more economic freedom

Aug 20, 2025 by AFP

Deregulation might sound like Washington insider talk, a topic that’s too in the weeds, but it’s actually a bread-and-butter issue — one that probably affects you or someone you know.

Right now, overregulation is stifling local businesses across America and is blocking Americans from finding good jobs.

Here’s how bad it’s gotten:

Small businesses must follow 2,500–4,500 new federal regulations issued every year.
Regulations cost small manufacturing firms $50,000 per employee, almost two times more than for large firms.
And more than 20% of all jobs in America need a license from the government.

This absurd system harms everyday Americans by taking good-paying jobs out of the economy.

We need to free Americans from the sea of regulations, approvals, and forms harming our economy and giving unchecked power to unaccountable bureaucrats.

So, it’s time for us to have an honest discussion about deregulation, how it can unleash economic progress, and how it could help you.

How is overregulation crippling small businesses?

First, let’s get something clear: Deregulation isn’t a compulsive desire to get rid of all rules. It’s about restoring their proper place and making them work for Americans.

Government regulations can play an important role in protecting the public. After all, we all want clean drinking water and safe workplaces.

But today, too many regulations go beyond protection and into government overreach.

As of now, mountains of government regulations are actively hurting Americans:

They’re costing our economy almost 1% of gross domestic product every year since 1980. That’s billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of good jobs lost every year due to needless paperwork.
A whopping 9 million Americans are living in poverty as overregulation stifles economic and job growth.
Regulations cost everyday Americans $13,000, as businesses pass part of the costs of compliance to consumers.

What’s more, excessive regulations are taking power from duly elected lawmakers and placing it in the hands of unaccountable, unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.

Thankfully, there’s a way to overcome this tide of burdensome regulations that’s stifling our economy and weakening our republican institutions: deregulation.

5 ways deregulation will help the economy

When we implement thoughtful deregulation policies, everyone wins. Here’s how:

Lower costs for businesses and consumers — Less paperwork means companies have more time and money to create jobs and provide better customer service.
More innovation, less bureaucracy — When entrepreneurs don’t have to wait months or years for government approval, they can bring new ideas to market faster.
Levels the playing field for small businesses — Small businesses don’t have teams of lawyers to navigate complex regulations. Deregulation gives the little guy a fighting chance.
Protects the people they’re supposed to protect — Smart regulations that focus on real safety issues work better than mountains of paperwork that just create busy work for bureaucrats.
Creates jobs — When it’s easier to start a business or expand into new markets, employers create more opportunities for American workers

How can we make deregulation happen?

At AFP, we have real, pragmatic policies to eliminate unnecessary regulations, restore democratic accountability, and grow the American economy.

The REINS Act is a game changer. This bill would require Congress to actually vote on any new regulation that costs the economy more than $100 million.
Red tape reduction initiatives streamline regulations so businesses can focus on what they do best instead of drowning in paperwork.
The Midnight Rules Relief Act gives Congress the power to overturn multiple regulations that get rushed through at the end of presidential terms, meaning no more last-minute changes.

Time to choose: More government control, or economic freedom?

Here’s the bottom line: Deregulation ensures we have the right rules that actually work for American families and businesses.

When we cut through unnecessary red tape and restore regulatory balance, we unlock the incredible economic potential held back by decades of government overreach.

Join the fight for smart deregulation and help restore the promise of opportunity for every American family.

Sign the petition and demand Congress take back control from unelected bureaucrats.