Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 42) 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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 61) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing"; and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 11) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources".

Bill Number: H.Res. 177
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Congress
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-03-04: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Last Updated: 2026-06-03T15:39:50Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

H. Res. 177 is a procedural resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives that establishes a streamlined process for debating and voting on three joint resolutions. These joint resolutions seek to disapprove (or "veto") specific rules issued by federal agencies under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law that allows Congress to overturn certain agency regulations within a limited time frame. The goal is to fast-track these disapprovals without typical procedural hurdles, ensuring quick House action on rules related to energy efficiency, air pollution, and ocean resources.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Handling of H.J. Res. 42

This targets a Department of Energy (DOE) rule titled "Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment." The resolution waives all points of order (objections based on House rules), treats the joint resolution as already read, and limits debate to one hour (equally divided between the majority and minority leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce or their designees). It allows one motion to recommit (send back to committee for changes) before a final vote, with no other interruptions.

Section 2: Handling of H.J. Res. 61

This addresses an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing." It applies the same procedural waivers, one-hour debate (controlled by Energy and Commerce Committee leaders), and one motion to recommit as in Section 1.

Section 3: Handling of S.J. Res. 11

This covers a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) rule titled "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources." It uses identical procedures but limits debate to one hour controlled by the House Committee on Natural Resources leaders and allows one motion to commit (similar to recommit, but for Senate-originated bills).

Overall, the resolution orders the "previous question" on each joint resolution and any amendments, meaning debate ends abruptly after the allotted time, leading directly to a vote on passage.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not directly amend laws or create new rules. Instead, it facilitates the potential disapproval of the three agency rules under the CRA. If the joint resolutions pass both the House and Senate and are not vetoed by the President (or the veto is overridden), the targeted rules would be nullified and could not be reissued in substantially similar form without new congressional approval. This reverses the agencies' attempts to implement these regulations, which were likely finalized late in the prior administration.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: DOE, EPA, and BOEM would lose authority to enforce the disapproved rules, potentially delaying or halting related regulatory programs. This could reduce administrative burdens on these agencies but limit their ability to address energy efficiency, air quality, and cultural resource protection.

On Citizens and Businesses: Consumers and manufacturers of appliances, tires, and ocean-related equipment might face fewer compliance costs (e.g., no new labeling or emission standards), but this could lead to higher energy use, increased pollution, or reduced safeguards for historical underwater sites. Environmental and consumer advocacy groups may see setbacks in public health and conservation efforts.

On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the BOEM rule's disapproval could affect U.S. commitments to protect shared marine heritage in international waters, potentially straining relations with global cultural preservation organizations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Agencies: DOE (energy standards), EPA (air pollution controls), and BOEM (ocean resource management) – directly challenged in implementing their rules.
Industries: Appliance manufacturers, rubber tire producers, and ocean energy/shipping companies – could benefit from avoided regulations but face uncertainty if rules are later reinstated.
Environmental and Consumer Groups: Organizations focused on clean air, energy efficiency, and archaeological preservation – likely oppose the disapprovals as weakening protections.
Congress and the Public: House members from Energy and Commerce or Natural Resources Committees gain procedural control; citizens in affected sectors (e.g., manufacturing workers or coastal communities) may experience indirect economic or environmental effects.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces the CRA's role as a check on executive branch rulemaking, ensuring Congress can swiftly review "midnight rules" (regulations issued at the end of an administration). Waiving points of order streamlines process but could limit minority input, raising questions about procedural fairness under House rules.

Constitutional: Highlights separation of powers, with Congress asserting oversight over agency actions derived from statutes. Successful disapprovals would prevent executive overreach but might invite legal challenges from agencies or stakeholders arguing the rules align with existing laws.

Political: Signals partisan efforts to roll back regulations from the previous administration, potentially escalating tensions between Congress and the executive branch. Passage could set a precedent for using procedural resolutions to target specific rules, influencing future legislative battles on environmental and energy policy.

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

2025-03-04: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-03-04: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 211 - 209 (Roll no. 57). (text: CR H955) (Roll call 57)
2025-03-04: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 211 - 209 (Roll no. 57). (text: CR H955) (Roll call 57)
2025-03-04: On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 196 - 187 (Roll no. 56). (consideration: CR H961) (Roll call 56)
2025-03-04: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H961-962)
2025-03-04: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 177, the Chair put the question on ordering the previous question and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Neguse demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
2025-03-04: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 177.
2025-03-04: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H955-960)
2025-03-03: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 5.
2025-03-03: The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 42, H.J. Res. 61, and S.J. Res. 11 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution also provides for one motion to recommit on H.J. Res. 42 and H.J. Res. 61 and one motion to commit on S.J. Res. 11.
2025-03-03: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-8, by Mr. Langworthy.
2025-03-03: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-8, by Mr. Langworthy.

Bill Versions

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 42) 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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 61) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing"; and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 11) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources". — issued 2025-03-04 — PDF (3 pages)
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 42) 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 for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 61) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing"; and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 11) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources". — issued 2025-03-03 — PDF (6 pages)