Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ‘‘Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters’’; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions’’; and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

Bill Number: H.Res. 161
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Congress
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-02-25: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Last Updated: 2026-07-11T21:24:26Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

H. Res. 161 is a procedural resolution that sets special rules for the U.S. House of Representatives to debate and vote on three specific measures: two joint resolutions disapproving rules issued by federal agencies (under the Congressional Review Act) and a concurrent resolution establishing the federal budget framework for fiscal year 2025 and beyond. Its main goal is to streamline floor consideration by waiving certain procedural hurdles, limiting debate, and controlling amendments.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Allows immediate consideration of H.J. Res. 20, which disapproves a Department of Energy (DOE) rule on energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters (small tankless water heaters used in homes).
Waives all points of order (objections based on House rules) against the resolution.
Treats the resolution as already read and waives points of order against its content.
Limits debate to 1 hour, split equally between the chair and ranking minority member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (or their designees).
Allows one motion to recommit (send back to committee for changes) but otherwise fast-tracks the vote to passage without further interruptions.

Section 2: Provides similar procedures for H.J. Res. 35, disapproving an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions" (which outlines ways for oil and gas companies to calculate and reduce methane emission fees).
Includes the same waivers, 1-hour debate structure controlled by Energy and Commerce leaders, and allowance for one recommit motion.

Section 3: Authorizes the Speaker of the House to move the chamber into the Committee of the Whole (a procedural stage for broader debate on major bills) at any time after adoption to consider H. Con. Res. 14, the congressional budget resolution for fiscal year 2025, including spending and revenue levels through fiscal year 2034.
Dispenses with the first reading of the resolution.
Waives points of order against consideration.
Limits general debate to 3 hours: 2 hours on the budget itself (split between the chair and ranking minority member of the House Committee on the Budget or designees) and 1 hour on broader economic goals and policies (split between Rep. Schweikert of Arizona and Rep. Beyer of Virginia or designees).
Automatically adopts a pre-approved amendment from the House Committee on Rules.
Treats the amended resolution as read; after debate, the committee reports it back to the full House.
Orders the previous question (ends debate and forces a vote) except for minor amendments from the Budget Committee chair to ensure numbers add up consistently.
Prohibits demands to divide the vote on adoption.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution introduces no direct changes to substantive U.S. law. Instead, it facilitates potential changes by expediting House votes on:

H.J. Res. 20 and H.J. Res. 35, which could nullify the DOE and EPA rules under the Congressional Review Act (a 1996 law allowing Congress to overturn recent agency regulations via a simple majority vote, with no Senate filibuster).
H. Con. Res. 14, which sets non-binding budgetary targets but influences future appropriations bills (spending laws).

If passed by both chambers and signed (or not vetoed), the joint resolutions would repeal the agency rules, reverting to prior standards.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Could block DOE's efforts to improve energy efficiency in water heaters (potentially delaying consumer savings on energy bills) and EPA's methane fee compliance processes (possibly increasing administrative burdens on oil and gas regulators or leading to higher emissions if exemptions are altered).
On Citizens: Might affect household energy costs (e.g., no new efficiency standards for water heaters) and environmental quality (e.g., less regulation on methane leaks from fossil fuels, a potent greenhouse gas). The budget resolution could shape federal spending priorities, impacting programs like energy assistance or environmental protection.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though repealing EPA rules could signal U.S. resistance to global climate goals (e.g., under the Paris Agreement), potentially straining ties with environmental allies.
Broader Effects: Speeds up congressional action on deregulation and fiscal planning, possibly influencing energy prices and industry compliance costs.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Congressional Committees: Energy and Commerce (overseeing the disapproval resolutions) and Budget (handling the fiscal framework).
Federal Agencies: DOE (energy standards) and EPA (emissions rules), whose authority could be curtailed.
Industry Groups: Oil, gas, and appliance manufacturers, who may benefit from blocked regulations reducing compliance costs.
Environmental and Consumer Advocates: Potentially harmed by weaker energy efficiency and emission controls, affecting public health and climate efforts.
Taxpayers and Households: Indirectly impacted through energy costs, environmental regulations, and federal budget decisions on spending and taxes.
Lawmakers: Specific members (e.g., Schweikert and Beyer) gain designated debate roles, highlighting partisan or regional interests in economic policy.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Relies on the Congressional Review Act, which gives Congress a brief window (typically 60 legislative days) to veto agency rules without presidential signature if passed by both houses. This upholds Congress's constitutional oversight of the executive branch (Article I) but raises questions about agency expertise in technical rulemaking.
Constitutional: Reinforces separation of powers by allowing legislative reversal of executive actions, though critics argue it can politicize science-based regulations.
Political: As a House Rules Committee product, it reflects majority party control over the agenda, potentially advancing deregulation priorities (e.g., easing burdens on fossil fuels). The budget resolution sets the stage for partisan fights over spending, deficits, and priorities like defense or social programs. If enacted, the disapprovals could set precedents for challenging Biden-era (or future) environmental rules, influencing midterm or presidential election dynamics.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]

Recent Actions

2025-02-25: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-02-25: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 217 - 211 (Roll no. 47). (text: CR H781) (Roll call 47)
2025-02-25: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 217 - 211 (Roll no. 47). (text: CR H781) (Roll call 47)
2025-02-25: On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 210 (Roll no. 46). (Roll call 46)
2025-02-25: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H790-791)
2025-02-25: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 161, 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.
2025-02-25: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 161.
2025-02-25: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H781-790)
2025-02-25: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 4.
2025-02-25: The resolution provides for consideration of two joint resolutions, H.J.Res.20, under a closed rule and H.J.Res. 35, under a closed rule. Also, the resolution provides for consideration of H. Con. Res. 14, under a closed rule. The joint resolutions are debated for one hour each and the concurrent resolution is debated for 3 hours.
2025-02-25: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-5, by Mrs. Houchin.
2025-02-25: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-5, by Mrs. Houchin.

Bill Versions

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ‘‘Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters’’; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions’’; and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034. — issued 2025-02-25 — PDF (4 pages)
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ‘‘Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters’’; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions’’; and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034. — issued 2025-02-25 — PDF (6 pages)