H.R.77 — Midnight Rules Relief Act
House Roll Call
H.R.77
| Bill | H.R.77 — Midnight Rules Relief Act |
|---|---|
| Vote question | On Motion to Recommit |
| Vote type | Yea-and-Nay |
| Result | Failed |
| Totals | Yea 205 / Nay 213 / Present 0 / Not Voting 15 |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 0 | 213 | 0 | 5 |
| D | 205 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Research Brief
On Motion to Recommit
Bill Analysis
Bill Summary: HR 77 - Midnight Rules Relief Act
The Midnight Rules Relief Act, introduced in the 119th Congress, aims to streamline the process for Congress to disapprove regulations issued by federal agencies in the final days of an administration, often referred to as “midnight rules.” This legislation seeks to amend the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to allow Congress to disapprove multiple rules with a single joint resolution, rather than requiring separate resolutions for each rule.
Key Provisions:
- The bill allows Congress to use a single resolution to disapprove an entire category of rules issued within a specified timeframe, particularly those finalized in the last 60 legislative days of an outgoing administration.
- It enhances legislative oversight by facilitating faster action against rules perceived as controversial or hastily enacted.
Funding/Authorities: The bill does not allocate specific funding but reinforces existing congressional authority under the CRA. It empowers Congress to exert greater control over regulatory actions, particularly those that may have significant economic or social impacts.
Programs/Agencies Affected: The Midnight Rules Relief Act primarily affects federal regulatory agencies, including but not limited to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Labor (DOL), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The legislation targets regulations that agencies finalize in the transition period between administrations.
Beneficiaries and Regulation: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are members of Congress and stakeholders who advocate for regulatory reform, including businesses and industries that may be adversely affected by last-minute regulations. Conversely, it could limit the regulatory authority of federal agencies, impacting their ability to implement rules designed to protect public health, safety, and the environment.
Key Timelines: Following its introduction, HR 77 was received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The bill’s progress will depend on committee review and subsequent actions by the Senate.
Yea (205)
A
André Carson
G
Gerald Connolly
A
April McClain Delaney
E
Emilia Sykes
S
Sylvester Turner
Nay (213)
B
Brad Finstad
B
Brandon Gill
M
Mark Green
A
Abraham Hamadeh
M
Mark Harris
B
Brian Jack
B
Brad Knott
C
Celeste Maloy
A
Addison McDowell
D
David Taylor
