Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 13) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the Department of the Treasury relating to the review of applications under the Bank Merger Act; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 31) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act"; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.

Bill Number: H.Res. 426
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Congress
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-05-20: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Last Updated: 2026-07-07T21:08:20Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

H. Res. 426 is a procedural resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives that streamlines the consideration of two joint resolutions disapproving specific federal agency rules. It also waives certain procedural requirements for future House actions on budget reconciliation measures. The goal is to expedite debate and voting on these items while limiting amendments and points of order (objections based on House rules).

Key Provisions

Consideration of S.J. Res. 13: Allows immediate floor debate on this joint resolution, which disapproves a rule from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC, part of the Department of the Treasury) on reviewing bank merger applications under the Bank Merger Act (a law governing bank consolidations).
Waives all points of order against the resolution.
Treats the resolution as already read.
Limits debate to one hour, split equally between the chair and ranking minority member of the House Committee on Financial Services (or their designees).
Allows one motion to commit (send the resolution back to committee for changes) but orders the "previous question" (ends debate and forces a vote) on the resolution and any amendments, preventing further delays.
Consideration of S.J. Res. 31: Provides similar fast-track procedures for this joint resolution, which disapproves an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled "Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act" (a regulation adjusting how certain industrial pollution sources are classified and regulated under air quality laws).
Includes the same waivers, reading treatment, one-hour debate (controlled by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce chair and ranking member or designees), motion to commit, and previous question order.
Waiver for Reconciliation Measures: Suspends the House rule requiring a two-thirds majority vote to consider a Committee on Rules report on the same day it is presented, but only for resolutions related to budget reconciliation (a process to adjust federal spending and revenues) under title II of H. Con. Res. 14, through May 23, 2025.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution does not amend substantive laws but modifies House procedural rules temporarily:

It bypasses standard debate limits, objection processes, and reading requirements for the two joint resolutions, effectively fast-tracking their passage.
The waiver on same-day consideration of rules committee reports eases procedural hurdles for upcoming reconciliation legislation, which could lead to broader changes in federal budget policies if enacted.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The OCC and EPA rules, if disapproved via the joint resolutions, would be nullified under the Congressional Review Act (a law allowing Congress to overturn recent agency regulations). This could delay or alter bank merger reviews and air pollution classifications, affecting how these agencies enforce financial stability and environmental protections.
On Citizens: Indirect effects include potential changes in banking access (e.g., fewer mergers might preserve local banks) and environmental health (e.g., stricter pollution controls if the EPA rule is blocked). Broader reconciliation measures could influence taxes, spending, and programs like healthcare or welfare.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though bank merger rules could affect cross-border financial deals, and EPA regulations might influence U.S. compliance with global environmental agreements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Agencies: OCC (banking oversight) and EPA (environmental regulation) face potential rule reversals, requiring them to revert to prior policies.
Congressional Committees: House Committees on Financial Services and Energy and Commerce control debate, giving them key influence.
Banking and Financial Sector: Banks and mergers applicants could see eased or tightened review processes.
Environmental Groups and Industries: Polluters (e.g., factories) and advocacy organizations may experience shifts in air quality compliance costs.
General Public and Taxpayers: Affected by any resulting changes in financial services availability, pollution standards, or federal budget priorities through reconciliation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Invokes the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code), a tool for Congress to check executive branch rulemaking, reinforcing separation of powers. The waivers ensure compliance with House rules while avoiding filibuster-like delays.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's oversight role under Article I but could raise questions about rushed processes limiting minority input, though it follows established parliamentary procedures.
Political: As a House leadership tool (often from the majority party), it highlights partisan efforts to undo Biden-era regulations (assuming the 2025 context post-2024 elections). The reconciliation waiver signals preparation for major fiscal policy battles, potentially deepening divides on economic and environmental issues without needing Senate supermajorities.

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

2025-05-20: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-05-20: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 210 - 208 (Roll no. 135). (Roll call 135)
2025-05-20: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 210 - 208 (Roll no. 135). (Roll call 135)
2025-05-20: On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 215 - 207 (Roll no. 134). (Roll call 134)
2025-05-20: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2166-2168 )
2025-05-20: POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 426, 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.
2025-05-20: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 426.
2025-05-20: Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H2159-2166)
2025-05-19: Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 28.
2025-05-19: The resolution provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 13 and S.J. Res. 31 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each joint resolution. The resolution also provides for a motion to commit on both joint resolutions.
2025-05-19: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-105, by Mr. Langworthy.
2025-05-19: The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-105, by Mr. Langworthy.

Bill Versions

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 13) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the Department of the Treasury relating to the review of applications under the Bank Merger Act; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 31) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act"; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules. — issued 2025-05-20 — PDF (2 pages)
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 13) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the Department of the Treasury relating to the review of applications under the Bank Merger Act; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 31) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act"; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules. — issued 2025-05-19 — PDF (4 pages)