The Regulators: Anonymous Power Brokers in American Politics

The Regulators is a useful, lively, and entertaining book on the federal bureaucracy. No, that is not an oxymoron! Cindy Skrzycki, the Washington Post’s long time reporter on the regulatory beat, knows better than anyone the stories of political power struggles, lobbying duels, and legal battles that have taken place ‘inside the Beltway’ in the last 20 years. These include the role of the powerful White House agency known as ‘OIRA,’ the appropriateness of placing a value on human life, and the fight over ‘midnight regulations.’ She has combined her best insights and stories into this highly readable volume, which will be of interest to lawyers, political scientists, and students of all ages―anyone who wants to know how things really work inthe halls of Washington.. — Jeffrey Lubbers, Washington College of Law, American University

Cindy Skrzycki shines a bright light on the most important, yet least understood process of government: converting the broad laws that Congress and the president enact into tight rules that actually govern real behavior. Her sentences are sharp and to the point, her prose easily understandable, and her insights right on target. This book is an essential reader for both the regulated (us) and the regulators (them). — Paul Light, New York University and The Brookings Institution

Cindy Skrzycki shines the light of her reporter’s intelligence on what is certainly the most obscure but arguably the most important area of government―the regulatory agencies. Consumers, business people, and political buffs will all find her revelations riveting. — David S. Broder, The Washington Post

An extremely clear, helpful, and intelligent guide. Highly recommended. — Cass Sunstein, University of Chicago

The Regulators is a useful, lively, and entertaining book on the federal bureaucracy. No, that is not an oxymoron! Cindy Skrzycki, the Washington Post’s long time reporter on the regulatory beat, knows better than anyone the stories of political power struggles, lobbying duels, and legal battles that have taken place ‘inside the Beltway’ in the last 20 years. These include the role of the powerful White House agency known as ‘OIRA,’ the appropriateness of placing a value on human life, and the fight over ‘midnight regulations.’ She has combined her best insights and stories into this highly readable volume, which will be of interest to lawyers, political scientists, and students of all ages―anyone who wants to know how things really work in the halls of Washington. — Jeffrey Lubbers, Washington College of Law, American University

Revealing. ― The Charlotte Observer

Skrzycki’s book is quite an accopmlishment. It’s a book about federal bureaucracy―perhaps the dullest, driest, most mundane subject matter imaginable― and Skrzycki makes it fascinating. ― Fox News

The book will make absorbing reading for anyone interested in American politics and regulation. ― Regulation

Engaging . . . well-crafted. Highly recommended. ― CHOICE