It may seem that President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk are solely responsible for dismantling the federal bureaucracy while Congress sits idly by cheering (or jeering) them on. The dynamic duo is often credited for wielding such metaphorical demolition devices as chain saws, sledgehammers, wrecking-balls and wood-chippers.

For instance, when President Trump, took office Jan. 20, he signed one executive order repealing 78 regulations promulgated during the Biden presidency, and another order requiring agencies to repeal 10 regulations for every new one they propose.

But Congress has a more targeted process available — less divisive and less subject to court challenges. It is called the Congressional Review Act of 1996. It was the brainchild of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) and pert of his Contract with America in the 104th Congress.

Perhaps ironically, Democratic President Bill Clinton signed the measure into law, even though his regulations would most immediately be on the chopping block. He dodged that bullet — the act was never used successfully against any Clinton regulations.

Under the Congressional Review Act, any proposed federal regulation must be published in the Federal Register at least 60........

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