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                    OverviewThe Congressional Review Act requires GAO to report on major rules that federal agencies make, including summaries of the procedural steps taken by the agencies.

Federal agencies promulgating rules must submit a copy to both houses of Congress and GAO before the rules can take effect. (Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C.§ 801(a)(1)(A) ). We track all rules (major and non-major) submitted to us.

Federal agencies can submit rules to GAO using the Submission of Federal Rules under the Congressional Review Act(PDF, 2 pages).

We also provide Congress with related Legal Opinions, upon request.

**GAO Contact**
Please send comments and suggestions to FedRules@gao.gov.Search Reports on Major RulesYour search results will include any reports on major rules GAO has issued.Search Database of RulesSkip to main search resultsWe track all rules (major and non-major) submitted to us. Your search results will include all rules submitted to us..Title
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ToGo back to search filtersFAQsWhat is the purpose of the Congressional Review Act (CRA)?      
    

  The CRA allows Congress to review "major" rules issued by federal agencies before the rules take effect. Congress may also disapprove new rules, resulting in the rules having no force or effect. 5 U.S.C. § 802(a).




  
      What does the CRA require agencies to do?      
    

  The CRA requires an agency promulgating a rule to submit the rule to Congress and GAO before it can take effect. The agency's submission should include (1) a copy of the rule; (2) a concise general statement relating to the rule, including whether it is a major rule; and (3) the proposed effective date of the rule. 5 U.S.C. § 801(a)(1)(A). Agency submissions also generally include cost-benefit, Paperwork Reduction Act, and Administrative Procedure Act analyses.




  
      What is a "major" rule?      
    

  The CRA defines a major rule as one that has resulted in or is likely to result in (1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; (2) a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, federal, state, or local government agencies, or geographic regions; or (3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, or innovation, or on the ability of United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises in domestic and export markets. 5 U.S.C. § 804(2).




  
      What is GAO's role regarding major rules?      
    

  The CRA requires GAO to report to Congress on whether an agency, in promulgating a major rule, has complied with the regulatory process. GAO does not analyze or comment on the substance or quality of rulemaking. GAO's report must be made to each house of Congress no later than 15 calendar days after a rule's submission or publication date. 5 U.S.C. § 801(a)(2)(A).




  
      What is GAO's role regarding "non-major" rules?      
    

  Although agencies must submit non-major rules to both Congress and GAO, GAO is not required to submit a report to Congress on an agency's compliance with procedural requirements governing the rulemaking process. Use our Search Federal Rules function for information on all federal rules, major and non-major, that agencies have submitted to GAO.




  
      Should agencies submit proposed rules to GAO?      
    

  No. Agencies should only submit major, non-major, and interim final rules to GAO.




  
      How should agencies submit rules to GAO?      
    

  **Please Note:** Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and recommendations to practice social distancing, many GAO staff are working remotely. Therefore, agencies should send their submissions to rulesc@gao.gov. Until further notice, GAO will not accept submissions by regular mail or fax.Submissions should include a completed Submission of Federal Rules form (PDF, 2 pages).If you have any questions regarding this notice, please email FedRules@gao.gov.




  
      Does GAO confirm receipt of submissions?      
    

  Confirmation is sent to agencies for rules received by fax or e-mail.Please contact FedRules@gao.gov with questions about your submission.




  
      What congressional resolutions of disapproval have occurred under the CRA?      
    

  Under the CRA, Congress can pass a joint resolution of disapproval relating to a rule. 5 U.S.C. §§ 801(a)(3)(B), 802. The following is a list of resolutions of disapproval that have been enacted since 1996 (when the CRA itself was enacted):On May 21, 2018, a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Rule relating "Indirect Auto Lending and Compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act" (CFPB Bulletin 2013-02, March 21, 2013) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-172 (May 21, 2018)).On November 1, 2017, a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Rule relating to ''Arbitration Agreements'' (82 Fed. Reg. 33,210 (July 19, 2017)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-74 (Nov. 1, 2017)).On May 17, 2017, a Department of Labor Rule on Savings Arrangements Established by States for Non-Governmental Employees (81 Fed. Reg. 59464 (August 30, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-35 (May 17, 2017)).On April 13, 2017, a Department of Labor Rule on Savings Arrangements Established by Qualified State Political Subdivisions for Non-Governmental Employees (81 Fed. Reg. 92,639 (December 20, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-24 (April 13, 2017)).On April 13, 2017, a Health and Human Services Rule on Compliance With Title X Requirements by Project Recipients in Selecting Subrecipients (81 Fed. Reg. 91,852 (December 19, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-23 (April 13, 2017)).On April 3, 2017, a Federal Communications Commission rule on Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services (81 Fed. Reg. 87,274 (December 2, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-22 (April 3, 2017)).On April 3, 2017, a Department of Labor rule on Clarification of Employer’s Continuing Obligation to Make and Maintain an Accurate Record of Each Recordable Injury and Illness (81 Fed. Reg. 91,792 (December 19, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-21 (April 3, 2017)).On April 3, 2017, a Department of Interior rule on Non-Subsistence Take of Wildlife, and Public Participation and Closure Procedures, on National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska (81 Fed. Reg. 52,247 (August 5, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-20 (April 3, 2017)).On March 31, 2017, a Department of Labor rule on drug testing of unemployment compensation applicants (81 Fed. Reg. 50,298 (Aug. 1, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-17 (March 31, 2017)).On March 27, 2017, a Department of Education rule on Teacher Preparation Issues (81 Fed. Reg. 75,494 (Oct. 31, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-14 (March 27, 2017)).On March 27, 2017, a Department of Education rule on Accountability and State Plans under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as Amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act— (81 Fed. Reg. 86,076 (Nov. 29, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-13 (March 27, 2017)).On March 27, 2017, a Department of Interior rule on Resource Management Planning (81 Fed. Reg. 89,580 (Dec. 12, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-12 (March 27, 2017)).On March 27, 2017, a Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces (81 Fed. Reg. 58,562 (Aug. 25, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-11 (March 27, 2017)).On February 28, 2017, a Social Security Administration rule on Implementation of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Improvement Amendments Act of 2007. (81 Fed. Reg. 91,702 (Dec. 19, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-8 (Feb. 28, 2017)).On February 16, 2017, a Department of Interior rule on stream protection (81 Fed. Reg. 93,066 (Dec. 20, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-5 (Feb. 16, 2017)).On February 14, 2017, a Securities and Exchange Commission rule on the disclosure of payments by resource extraction issuers (81 Fed. Reg. 49,359 (Mar. 27, 2016)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 115-4 (Feb. 14, 2017)).On March 20, 2001, a Department of Labor rule on the ergonomics program (65 Fed. Reg. 68,262 (Nov. 14, 2000)) was overturned (see Pub. L. No. 107-5 (Mar. 20, 2001)).




  
      What is the role of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the CRA?      
    

  OMB reviews rules to ensure that regulations are consistent with applicable law, the President's priorities, and the principles set forth in Executive Order No. 12, 866, and that decisions made by one agency do not conflict with the policies or actions taken or planned by another agency. OMB's Administrator of Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs determines whether a rule is classified as major.Legal OpinionsFederal Housing Finance Agency—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to FHFA Updates to the Enterprises' Single-Family Pricing Framework, FHFA Targeted Increases to Enterprise Pricing Framework, and FHFA Targeted Pricing Changes to Enterprise Pricing FrameworkB-335424
      
	Published:  Mar 07, 2024
              U.S. Department of the Interior—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Cancellation of Oil Leases in the Artic National Wildlife RefugeB-335781
      
	Published:  Feb 27, 2024
              U.S. Department of Education—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Agency Statement titled "Fact Sheet: President Biden Announces New Actions to Provide Debt Relief and Support for Student Loan Borrowers"B-335516
      
	Published:  Jan 24, 2024
              Environmental Protection Agency—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Notice of Decision on Clean Air Act Waiver of PreemptionB-334309
      
	Published:  Nov 30, 2023
              U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger—United States, 2023B-335316
      
	Published:  Nov 29, 2023
              Securities and Exchange Commission—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121B-334540
      
	Published:  Oct 31, 2023
              U.S. Department of Transportation—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Department of Transportation's FY 2023-2024 Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant OpportunityB-335488
      
	Published:  Oct 18, 2023
              U.S. Department of Defense—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Certain Healthcare MemorandaB-335115
      
	Published:  Sep 26, 2023
              U.S. Food and Drug Administration—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Single Shared System for Mifepristone 200 mgB-334995
      
	Published:  Jul 06, 2023
              Department of Homeland Security—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to the Memoranda Terminating the Migrant Protection ProtocolsB-334045
      
	Published:  Jul 05, 2023
              U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Food and Nutrition Service Policy Memorandum CRD 01-2022, Application of Bostock v. Clayton County to Program Discrimination Complaint Processing—Policy UpdateB-334411
      
	Published:  Jun 05, 2023
              U.S. Department of Agriculture—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Documents Implementing Four Financial Assistance ProgramsB-334146
      
	Published:  Jun 05, 2023
              Office of Personnel Management—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Guidance on Enforcing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Requirement for Federal Employees-Executive Order 14043B-334237
      
	Published:  Apr 06, 2023
              Federal Highway Administration—Request for Reconsideration—Policy on Using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Resources to Build a Better AmericaB-334032.2
      
	Published:  Apr 05, 2023
              U.S. Department of Education—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to the Department of Education's Student Loan Debt Relief Website and Accompanying Federal Register PublicationB-334644
      
	Published:  Mar 17, 2023
              Office of Personnel Management—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to the Memorandum on Achieving a $15 Per Hour Minimum Pay Rate for Federal EmployeesB-334221
      
	Published:  Feb 09, 2023
              Environmental Protection Agency—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to June 2022 Denial of Petitions for Small Refinery Exemptions Under the Renewable Fuel Standard ProgramB-334400
      
	Published:  Feb 09, 2023
              Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, Pretrial Services Agency—Privacy Act of 1974; Systems of Records NoticeB-334005
      
	Published:  Jan 18, 2023
              Federal Highway Administration—Policy on Using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Resources to Build a Better AmericaB-334032
      
	Published:  Dec 15, 2022
              United States Department of Agriculture—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to the 2021 Updates to the Thrifty Food PlanB-333732
      
	Published:  Jul 28, 2022
              Safer Federal Workforce Task Force—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to COVID-19 Workplace Safety: Guidance for Federal Contractors and SubcontractorsB-333725
      
	Published:  Mar 17, 2022
              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—Applicability of Congressional Review Act to Requirement for Persons to Wear Masks While on Conveyances and at Transportation HubsB-333501
      
	Published:  Dec 14, 2021
              Department of Housing and Urban Development—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Fair Housing Act Guidance on Assistance AnimalsB-331171
      
	Published:  Dec 17, 2020
              Federal Communications Commission—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Ligado Amendment to License Modification ApplicationsB-332233
      
	Published:  Aug 13, 2020
              Request for a Congressional Review Act Opinion on IRS Notice 2020-65B-332517
      
	Published:  Sep 15, 2020
              Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Supervision and Regulation Letter 15-18B-331560
      
	Published:  Apr 16, 2020
              Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System--Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Supervision and Regulation Letter 11-7B-331324
      
	Published:  Oct 22, 2019
              Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System—Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Supervision and Regulation LettersB-330843
      
	Published:  Oct 22, 2019
              Department of Health and Human Services and Department of the Treasury— Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to State Relief and Empowerment WaiversB-330811
      
	Published:  Jul 15, 2019
              Department of Commerce - Memorandum Regarding a Citizenship Question on the 2020 Decennial Census QuestionnaireB-330288
      
	Published:  Feb 07, 2019
              U.S. Department of Justice – Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to the Attorney General's April 2018 MemorandumB-330190
      
	Published:  Dec 19, 2018
              Social Security Administration: Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Sections of the Hearings, Appeals, and Litigation Law ManualB-329926
      
	Published:  Sep 10, 2018
              Internal Revenue Service: Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Revenue Procedure 2018-38B-330376
      
	Published:  Nov 30, 2018
              Internal Revenue Service: Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to the IRS Statement on Health Care Reporting RequirementsB-329916
      
	Published:  May 17, 2018
              Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development: Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance Fact Sheet and Revised Standard Provisions for U.S. Nongovernmental OrganizationsB-329206
      
	Published:  May 01, 2018
              Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection: Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Bulletin on Indirect Auto Lending and Compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity ActB-329129
      
	Published:  Dec 05, 2017
              Eastern Interior Resource Management PlanB-329065
      
	Published:  Nov 15, 2017
              Tongass National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan AmendmentB-238859
      
	Published:  Oct 23, 2017
              Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation--Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Interagency Guidance on Leveraged LendingB-329272
      
	Published:  Oct 19, 2017
              GAO's Role and Responsibilities Under the Congressional Review ActB-325553
      
	Published:  May 29, 2014
              Temporary Assistance For Needy Families: Information Memorandum Constitutes Rule for the Purposes of the Congressional Review ActA press statement on the decision can be found here: http://www.gao.gov/press/statement_on_tanf2012sept04.html
      
            B-323772
      
	Published:  Sep 03, 2012
              Applicability of the Congressional Review Act to Letter on State Children's Health Insurance ProgramB-316048
      
	Published:  Apr 17, 2008
              Whether a Department of Veterans Affairs Memorandum is a Rule Under the Congressional Review Act, B-292045, May 19, 2003B-292045
      
	Published:  May 19, 2003
              Whether Department of Veterans Affairs Memorandum is a Rule Under the Congressional Review ActB-291906
      
	Published:  Feb 28, 2003
              Comments on Major Rule for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesB-289880
      
	Published:  Apr 05, 2002
              Opinion on Whether Trinity River Record of Decision is a RuleB-287557
      
	Published:  May 14, 2001
              Opinion on Whether the Farm Credit Administration's National Charter Initiative Is a Rule Under the Congressional Review ActB-286338
      
	Published:  Oct 17, 2000
              [Comments on Whether EPA Interim Guidance Is a Rule Under the Congressional Review Act]B-281575
      
	Published:  Jan 20, 1999


	Publicly Released: Jan 20, 1999
              Opinion as to Whether the American Heritage River Initiative is a "Rule" Under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness ActB-278224
      
	Published:  Nov 10, 1997
              Status of the Tongass National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan Under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness ActB-275178
      
	Published:  Jul 03, 1997


	Publicly Released: Jul 03, 1997
              INS and DOJ Executive Office for Immigration Review: Inspection and Expedited Removal of Aliens, Detention and Removal of Aliens, Conduct of Removal Proceedings, and Asylum ProceduresOGC-97-32
      
	Published:  Mar 28, 1997


	Publicly Released: Mar 28, 1997
              Whether Secretary of Agriculture Memorandum Concerning Emergency Salvage Timber Sale Program is a 'Rule' under 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A)B-274505
      
	Published:  Sep 16, 1996
  

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