Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2025, seeks to enhance accountability and transparency within the federal regulatory process. It mandates that major rules issued by executive branch agencies cannot take effect unless Congress enacts a joint resolution of approval. This mechanism is intended to reassert Congress's legislative authority and ensure greater oversight of significant regulations imposed on the American people. Before a major rule can become effective, the promulgating agency must submit a comprehensive report to Congress and the Comptroller General. This report must include a copy of the rule, a classification as major or nonmajor, and a detailed cost-benefit analysis , including an assessment of jobs added or lost. The Comptroller General is then required to provide an independent assessment of the agency's compliance and the rule's potential impact on private-sector activity. If Congress does not enact a joint resolution of approval for a major rule within 70 session or legislative days, the rule is deemed not approved and cannot take effect. A major rule is defined as one likely to have an annual economic effect of $100 million or more, cause major cost increases, or significantly harm competition, employment, or innovation. Nonmajor rules, however, can take effect unless Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval. The bill includes limited exceptions, allowing a major rule to take effect for a 90-day period if the President determines it is necessary due to an imminent threat to health or safety, for criminal law enforcement, national security, or international trade agreements. Rules concerning monetary policy by the Federal Reserve are explicitly exempt from these requirements. Finally, the legislation directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on the total number and economic cost of all federal rules in effect, with a report due to Congress within one year.