Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2189) to modernize Federal firearms laws to account for advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 261) to amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prohibit requiring an authorization for the installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if such activities have previously been authorized by a Federal or State agency; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3617) to amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to secure the supply of critical energy resources, including critical minerals and other materials, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

Bill Number: H.Res. 1042
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Congress
Status: Failed House
Latest Action: 2026-02-10: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Last Updated: 2026-06-13T02:26:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

H. Res. 1042 is a procedural resolution that establishes the rules for considering and debating three specific bills (H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617) in the U.S. House of Representatives. It waives certain procedural objections (points of order) to expedite their advancement and includes a provision to extend the duration of specific national emergencies by excluding certain days from the legislative calendar.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Consideration of H.R. 2189
Allows immediate debate on H.R. 2189, which aims to update federal firearms laws to reflect technological advancements and less-than-lethal weapons (e.g., non-firearm devices like tasers).
Waives all points of order against the bill.
Adopts a substitute amendment (Rules Committee Print 119-18) in place of the Judiciary Committee's version, treating the amended bill as already read.
Limits debate to one hour, split equally between designated leaders from the Judiciary and Ways and Means Committees.
Orders the previous question (ending debate and amendments) to final passage, except for one motion to recommit (send back to committee).

Section 2: Consideration of H.R. 261
Allows immediate debate on H.R. 261, which amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prevent the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from requiring new authorizations for installing, maintaining, or removing undersea fiber optic cables in marine sanctuaries if those activities were already approved by a federal or state agency.
Waives all points of order against the bill.
Adopts the Natural Resources Committee's substitute amendment, treating the amended bill as already read.
Limits debate to one hour, controlled by leaders from the Natural Resources Committee.
Orders the previous question to final passage, except for one motion to recommit.

Section 3: Consideration of H.R. 3617
Allows immediate debate on H.R. 3617, which amends the Department of Energy Organization Act to strengthen the supply chain for critical energy resources, such as minerals (e.g., lithium for batteries) and other materials essential for energy production.
Waives all points of order against the bill.
Adopts the Energy and Commerce Committee's substitute amendment, treating the amended bill as already read.
Limits debate to one hour, controlled by leaders from the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Orders the previous question to final passage, except for one motion to recommit.

Section 4: National Emergencies Provision
Excludes each day from February 10, 2026, through July 31, 2026, from counting as a "calendar day" under the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622).
This applies specifically to joint resolutions that could terminate national emergencies declared by the President on February 1, 2025; April 2, 2025; July 30, 2025; or August 6, 2025.
Effectively pauses the 90-day clock for congressional action to end these emergencies during that period.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution itself does not amend laws; it is a House rule that streamlines floor consideration of the three bills. If passed, the bills could introduce changes:

H.R. 2189 would modernize firearms regulations to include new technologies.
H.R. 261 would reduce regulatory overlap for undersea cables in protected marine areas.
H.R. 3617 would enhance federal efforts to secure domestic supplies of energy-critical materials.

Section 4 temporarily alters how time is counted under the National Emergencies Act, extending the effective period of the specified emergencies without directly changing the underlying declarations.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Speeds up House action on bills affecting the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for firearms, NOAA for marine protections, and the Department of Energy for resource security. Section 4 benefits the executive branch by prolonging emergencies without immediate congressional challenge.
On Citizens: Could lead to updated rules for firearm technologies, potentially easing access to less-than-lethal options; simplify telecom infrastructure in ocean areas, benefiting internet connectivity; and bolster energy independence, impacting costs for consumers reliant on batteries or renewables.
On International Relations: H.R. 261 may facilitate global undersea cable projects (vital for international data flow) by reducing U.S. regulatory hurdles. H.R. 3617 could reduce U.S. dependence on foreign minerals, affecting trade with suppliers like China.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Congressional Committees: Judiciary, Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means (for debate control).
Industries: Firearms manufacturers and tech innovators (H.R. 2189); telecommunications companies building undersea cables (H.R. 261); mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors for critical minerals (H.R. 3617).
Government Entities: Executive branch (President's emergency powers), ATF, NOAA, Department of Energy.
Public Groups: Gun owners and safety advocates; environmentalists concerned with marine protections; businesses and consumers affected by energy supply chains.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Procedural Efficiency: By waiving points of order and limiting amendments, the resolution limits minority party input, potentially raising concerns about rushed legislation in a divided Congress (a common partisan tool).
Constitutional Balance: Section 4 indirectly supports executive emergency powers under Article II by delaying congressional oversight, which could spark debates on separation of powers if challenged in court.
Political Context: Introduced in the 119th Congress (2025–2026), it reflects priorities like technology integration in laws, infrastructure streamlining, and energy security; the emergency extension may tie to ongoing national security issues, such as supply chain vulnerabilities or threats declared in 2025. No direct constitutional violations are evident, but it exemplifies how procedural rules shape legislative outcomes.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]

Recent Actions

2026-02-10: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-02-10: On agreeing to the resolution Failed by recorded vote: 214 - 217 (Roll no. 60). (Roll call 60)
2026-02-10: Failed of passage/not agreed to in House On agreeing to the resolution Failed by recorded vote: 214 - 217 (Roll no. 60). (Roll call 60)
2026-02-10: On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 214 (Roll no. 59). (Roll call 59)
2026-02-10: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2115-2116)
2026-02-10: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 1042, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Neguse demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2026-02-10: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1042.
2026-02-10: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H2107-2115; text: CR H2107-2108)
2026-02-09: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 60.
2026-02-09: The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
2026-02-09: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-490, by Mr. Langworthy.
2026-02-09: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-490, by Mr. Langworthy.

Bill Versions

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2189) to modernize Federal firearms laws to account for advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 261) to amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prohibit requiring an authorization for the installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if such activities have previously been authorized by a Federal or State agency; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3617) to amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to secure the supply of critical energy resources, including critical minerals and other materials, and for other purposes; and for other purposes. — issued 2026-02-09 — PDF (6 pages)