White House threatens veto of GOP regulatory bills

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The White House is threatening to veto Republican legislation that would place greater limits on how the federal government adopts regulations.

The Republican-controlled House is set to vote on two bills that would require agencies to consider alternative regulations based on their costs and benefits and to limit the costs new regulations would place on small businesses.

A statement issued Tuesday by the Office of Management and Budget says presidential advisers would recommend President Barack Obama veto both bills if they pass Congress.

Reducing regulations on businesses has been a priority of congressional Republicans. The House legislation would face a difficult hurdle in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

The budget office said the House bills would hurt the ability of government agencies to protect the public, create needless confusion and invite lawsuits.