Congress Considers Significant Reforms to Congressional Review Act
Washington D.C. – A new legislative proposal, H.R. 4112 (IH), titled the “Congressional Review Reform Act of 2025,” has been introduced, aiming to modernize and potentially streamline the process by which Congress reviews and can overturn regulations issued by federal agencies. Published by GovInfo.gov on July 8, 2025, at 06:59, this bill signals a potential shift in the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches regarding regulatory oversight.
The Congressional Review Act (CRA), originally enacted in 1996, provides Congress with a mechanism to review proposed and final regulations issued by federal agencies. Under the CRA, agencies must submit their regulations to both the House of Representatives and the Senate, which then have a specific timeframe – typically 60 legislative days – to consider disapproving the regulation through a joint resolution of disapproval. If such a resolution is passed by both chambers and signed by the President, the regulation is invalidated.
While the CRA has been used occasionally throughout its history, its effectiveness and the process itself have been subjects of ongoing debate. Proponents of reforms often argue that the current framework can be cumbersome and, at times, politically challenging to utilize.
The specifics of H.R. 4112 (IH) are expected to outline proposed changes that could impact several aspects of the CRA process. While the full text of the bill will provide the definitive details, legislative proposals of this nature often address areas such as:
- Timelines for Review: The bill might propose adjustments to the legislative days allocated for review, potentially shortening or extending these periods to better align with congressional schedules and the complexity of regulations.
- Scope of Reviewable Regulations: There could be modifications to the types of regulations that are subject to the CRA, or the criteria for determining a “major” regulation that warrants particular scrutiny.
- Procedural Mechanisms: H.R. 4112 might introduce new procedural steps or clarify existing ones within both chambers to facilitate the introduction, debate, and voting on disapproval resolutions.
- Judicial Review: Some reforms to the CRA have historically considered the role and scope of judicial review following a disapproval resolution.
The introduction of the “Congressional Review Reform Act of 2025” marks the beginning of the legislative process. The bill will likely undergo committee review, potential amendments, and debate on the House floor before it could be considered by the Senate. The ultimate success of such legislation would, of course, depend on the political will and consensus reached within both chambers of Congress, as well as the President’s ultimate decision to sign it into law.
This development underscores the ongoing efforts by lawmakers to shape the regulatory landscape and the tools available to Congress for overseeing federal agency actions. Further details regarding the specific provisions of H.R. 4112 will become available as the legislative process unfolds.
H.R. 4112 (IH) – Congressional Review Reform Act of 2025
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