Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 24) 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 Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 75) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers"; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1048) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes.

Bill Number: H.Res. 242
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Congress
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-03-25: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Last Updated: 2026-07-11T21:24:28Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

H. Res. 242 is a procedural resolution that establishes special rules for the House of Representatives to consider three specific legislative measures: two joint resolutions disapproving Department of Energy (DOE) regulations on energy conservation standards for refrigeration equipment, and one bill amending the Higher Education Act of 1965 to address foreign influences on U.S. colleges and universities. Its goal is to expedite floor debate and voting on these items by waiving certain procedural obstacles and limiting amendments.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Allows immediate consideration of H.J. Res. 24, a joint resolution using the Congressional Review Act (a law that lets Congress overturn recent federal agency rules) to disapprove a DOE rule on energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers. Key rules include:
Waives all points of order (objections based on House rules).
Treats the resolution as already read.
Limits debate to 1 hour, equally divided between the majority and minority leaders of the Energy and Commerce Committee (or their designees).
Orders the "previous question" (ends debate and forces a vote) on the resolution and any amendments, except for one motion to recommit (send it back to committee).

Section 2: Provides similar expedited procedures for H.J. Res. 75, disapproving a DOE rule (from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy) on energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. Debate and other rules mirror Section 1.

Section 3: Authorizes the Speaker of the House to move the chamber into the Committee of the Whole (a less formal setting for debating and amending bills) at any time after adoption for H.R. 1048. Key rules include:
Dispenses with the first reading of the bill.
Waives points of order against the bill.
Limits general debate to 1 hour, divided equally between leaders of the Education and Workforce Committee (or designees).
Adopts a specific amendment (Rules Committee Print 119-1) as a substitute text in place of the committee's version, treating it as the original bill for further changes.
Allows amendments only under the five-minute rule (members speak briefly in turn), but limits further amendments to those pre-approved and printed in the Rules Committee report—offered only by designated members, with specified debate times, and not subject to sub-amendments or division votes.
Waives points of order against the amended bill and its provisions.
Orders the previous question after amendments, leading to final passage, except for one motion to recommit.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution introduces no direct changes to substantive law, as it is purely procedural. However, it facilitates potential changes by streamlining consideration of:

H.J. Res. 24 and 75, which could nullify DOE energy efficiency rules issued under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (preventing their enforcement unless the Senate and President concur).
H.R. 1048, which would amend the Higher Education Act to add stricter reporting on foreign donations and bans on deals with "countries of concern" (e.g., those posing national security risks, like certain adversarial nations).

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Could block DOE's efforts to enforce updated energy standards, delaying or altering requirements for manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment and potentially increasing energy use or costs in those sectors.
On Citizens and Businesses: Manufacturers and users of walk-in coolers, freezers, and commercial refrigerators may face less stringent energy rules if the disapprovals succeed, affecting compliance costs, energy efficiency, and environmental outcomes. Higher education institutions could see new restrictions on foreign partnerships, impacting research funding and international collaborations.
On International Relations: H.R. 1048's provisions might strain ties with specified foreign countries by limiting academic and financial exchanges, potentially affecting U.S. soft power in global education.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Congress: House members, particularly on the Energy and Commerce and Education and Workforce Committees, gain structured debate opportunities.
Department of Energy: Faces potential override of its regulatory authority on energy conservation.
Higher Education Institutions: Colleges and universities must comply with enhanced disclosures and prohibitions on foreign contracts, affecting operations and funding.
Industry Groups: Manufacturers of refrigeration equipment (e.g., appliance makers) benefit from or oppose rule disapprovals based on cost implications.
Foreign Entities: Governments and organizations from "countries of concern" (not specified in this resolution but implied in H.R. 1048) lose access to U.S. higher education partnerships.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Relies on the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. Chapter 8), a constitutional tool for Congress to check executive agency actions, ensuring rules can be fast-tracked without Senate filibuster. Waivers of points of order prevent delays from budget or germaneness challenges.
Constitutional: Upholds separation of powers by enabling legislative oversight of executive regulations; the Committee of the Whole provision aligns with House rules for efficient deliberation under Article I.
Political: As a Rules Committee product, it reflects majority party control, potentially advancing partisan priorities like deregulation (energy resolutions) and national security (education bill). Success depends on Senate action and presidential signature, highlighting inter-branch tensions on energy policy and foreign influence.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5]

Recent Actions

2025-03-25: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-03-25: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 214 - 207 (Roll no. 76). (text: CR H1232) (Roll call 76)
2025-03-25: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 214 - 207 (Roll no. 76). (text: CR H1232) (Roll call 76)
2025-03-25: On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 215 - 208 (Roll no. 75). (Roll call 75)
2025-03-25: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1239-1241)
2025-03-25: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 242, 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.
2025-03-25: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 242.
2025-03-25: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H1232-1238)
2025-03-24: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 12.
2025-03-24: The resolution provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 24 and H.J. Res. 75 under a closed rule, and provides for consideration of H.R. 1048 under a structured rule. Also, the resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each measure.
2025-03-24: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-38, by Ms. Foxx.
2025-03-24: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-38, by Ms. Foxx.

Bill Versions

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 24) 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 Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 75) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers"; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1048) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-03-25 — PDF (4 pages)
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 24) 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 Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 75) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Refrigerators, Freezers, and Refrigerator-Freezers"; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1048) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen disclosure requirements relating to foreign gifts and contracts, to prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-03-24 — PDF (6 pages)