Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 77) to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide for en bloc consideration in resolutions of disapproval for "midnight rules", and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 122
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-11: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T14:24:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
H. Res. 122 is a procedural resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives that establishes the rules for debating and voting on H.R. 77, a bill aimed at amending federal law (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code) to allow grouped ("en bloc") consideration of resolutions disapproving "midnight rules." Midnight rules refer to regulations issued by federal agencies in the final days of an administration, often to influence future policy.
Key Provisions
- Waiver of Objections: All points of order (procedural challenges) against considering H.R. 77 or its provisions are waived, allowing the bill to proceed without typical parliamentary hurdles.
- Consideration as Read: The bill is treated as having been fully read, streamlining the process.
- Debate and Amendments:
- One hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the House Judiciary Committee (or their designees).
- The "previous question" is ordered, limiting further debate or amendments after the initial hour and moving directly to a vote on passage.
- Motion to Recommit: Allows one motion to send the bill back to committee for further review, but no other intervening motions.
- Timing: The resolution takes effect upon its adoption in the House.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution itself introduces no substantive changes to existing law; it is purely procedural. However, it facilitates consideration of H.R. 77, which would modify the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code) by enabling Congress to bundle multiple disapprovals of midnight rules into a single resolution, potentially expediting the reversal of late-term regulations compared to current requirements for individual votes on each rule.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: If H.R. 77 passes, agencies could face faster congressional overrides of end-of-term rules, reducing the durability of regulations issued during transitions between administrations.
- On Citizens and Businesses: Streamlined disapproval processes might lead to quicker policy shifts, affecting regulatory environments in areas like environment, labor, or health, with potential benefits or disruptions depending on the rules targeted.
- On Congress: Enhances the House's efficiency in reviewing agency actions, particularly during new sessions, but limits debate to promote swift action.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could indirectly affect U.S. regulatory alignment with international standards if midnight rules involve trade or global issues.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Congressional Members: Primarily the House Judiciary Committee, as debate leaders; broader House membership gains procedural flexibility.
- Federal Agencies: Regulators (e.g., EPA, OSHA) issuing rules near administration ends, who may see their work more easily undone.
- Advocacy Groups and Industries: Those favoring or opposing specific regulations, such as environmental organizations or business lobbies, could influence or be impacted by bundled disapprovals.
- The Public: Citizens affected by federal rules on topics like safety standards or consumer protections.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns with the Congressional Review Act's framework but expands procedural tools for oversight, without altering constitutional separation of powers—Congress retains its role in checking executive rulemaking.
- Constitutional: Reinforces legislative authority over administrative actions under Article I, potentially balancing executive influence during transitions.
- Political: Often used by incoming majorities to target predecessor administrations' rules; could heighten partisanship in regulatory reviews, as it prioritizes speed over extended deliberation. No overt constitutional challenges noted in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-11: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-02-11: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 216 - 205 (Roll no. 39). (text: CR H623) (Roll call 39)
- 2025-02-11: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 216 - 205 (Roll no. 39). (text: CR H623) (Roll call 39)
- 2025-02-11: On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 184 (Roll no. 38). (Roll call 38)
- 2025-02-11: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H629-630)
- 2025-02-11: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 122, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McGovern demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
- 2025-02-11: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 122.
- 2025-02-11: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H623-629)
- 2025-02-10: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 3.
- 2025-02-10: Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 77 with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit allowed. Bill is closed to amendments.
- 2025-02-10: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-3, by Mrs. Fischbach.
- 2025-02-10: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-3, by Mrs. Fischbach.
- 2025-02-10: Introduced in the House
Bill Versions
- Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 77) to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide for en bloc consideration in resolutions of disapproval for "midnight rules", and for other purposes. — issued 2025-02-11 — PDF (1 pages)
- Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 77) to amend chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, to provide for en bloc consideration in resolutions of disapproval for "midnight rules", and for other purposes. — issued 2025-02-10 — PDF (4 pages)