Reclaim the Reins Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 2 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed House

Passed Senate

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

This bill is important because it shifts the balance of power between the legislative branch (Congress) and the executive branch (federal agencies) regarding regulations. If passed, it would significantly increase Congress's control over the regulatory process, making it harder and slower for agencies to implement new rules, especially those that have a significant economic impact or increase government revenue. This could address concerns about "unelected bureaucrats" making impactful decisions without direct democratic input.

Voters should care because it could lead to fewer new federal regulations being put in place, potentially reducing regulatory burdens on businesses and individuals, but also possibly slowing down government responses to emerging problems. The outcome would be a more deliberative, and potentially more politicized, process for federal rulemaking, fundamentally changing how new policies are implemented across the country.

KEY PROVISIONS

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high

Agencies must include extensive new information in their reports to Congress for every rule, such as estimates of budgetary effects, job impacts, inflation effects, and the constitutional authority for the rule.

This provides Congress with significantly more data to evaluate proposed rules, increasing transparency and accountability.

high

Major rules that are determined to increase government revenues require active approval by a joint resolution of Congress before they can take effect.

This reverses the default for certain major rules, requiring Congress to explicitly consent rather than just having the option to disapprove, giving Congress more control.

med

Rules submitted during the final year of a President's term that increase revenue will receive an additional review opportunity by the succeeding Congress.

This prevents a outgoing administration from pushing through significant rules that might not align with the incoming administration or Congress.

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The Comptroller General (GAO) can be requested by a Member of Congress to determine if an agency action is a 'rule' and whether it is a 'major rule'.

This provides an independent, expert assessment to Congress on the legal classification and significance of agency actions.

low

Federal agencies must annually review at least 20% of their existing 'eligible rules' for four years.

This ensures that existing regulations are periodically re-evaluated to determine if they are still necessary or effective.

DEADLINES & DATES

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An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

Not later than 60 days after the date of the request.

Comptroller General determination on whether an agency action is a 'rule'.

Not later than 90 days after the date of the request.

Comptroller General determination on whether a rule is a 'major rule'.

By the end of 60 session days or legislative days (excluding days Congress is adjourned for more than 3 days).

Congressional enactment of a joint resolution of approval for a major rule that increases revenue.

Beginning 6 months after enactment and annually thereafter for 4 years.

Annual agency review of eligible rules (at least 20%).

FUNDING & AUTHORIZATIONS

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An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

AMOUNT	PROGRAM	TYPE	YEARS
$10,000,000	Director of the Office of Management and Budget	discretionary	fiscal year 2025 (available through September 30, 2034)
$10,000,000	Comptroller General of the United States	discretionary	fiscal year 2025 (available through September 30, 2034)

GLOSSARY

AI-written

Agency rulemaking: The process by which federal government agencies create, amend, or repeal regulations, which are rules that have the force of law.
Major rule: A rule that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) determines will have a significant economic impact (typically $100 million or more in a year), a major increase in costs or prices, or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, or the environment.
Joint resolution of approval: A legislative measure passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and then signed by the President, that specifically authorizes a major rule that increases revenue to take effect.
Comptroller General: The head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent agency that provides auditing, evaluation, and investigative services to Congress.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): A powerful office within the Executive Office of the President that helps the President oversee the preparation of the federal budget and supervise the administration of executive branch agencies.
Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code: Also known as the Congressional Review Act (CRA), this part of federal law establishes procedures for Congress to review and potentially disapprove rules issued by federal agencies.

ACTION TIMELINE

2 EVENTS

APR 29, 25

Introduced in House

INTROREFERRAL

APR 29, 25

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

INTROREFERRAL

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Judiciary CommitteeReferred

Apr 29, 2025

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Reclaim the Reins Act

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Reclaim the Reins Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

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ACTION TIMELINE

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Reclaim the Reins Act

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

FUNDING & AUTHORIZATIONS

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

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