What is a major reason Congress avoids formal rulemaking?

Congress avoids formal rulemaking primarily because it is time-consuming. Formal rulemaking requires a detailed process that typically includes public hearings, extensive record-keeping, and a more rigid adherence to procedural requirements, which can slow down the regulatory process significantly. This protracted timeline can hinder Congress's ability to respond swiftly to emerging issues or to implement changes in policy due to urgent needs, thereby prompting a preference for more efficient rulemaking processes.

While considerations like cost and transparency may also influence congressional procedures, the critical factor here is the need for timely action in response to ongoing developments. Consequently, the more streamlined and less formal alternatives that allow for quicker regulatory actions become more attractive to Congress.