US Federal House Bill HJR125

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/18/25
• Refer: 9/18/25

Caption

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Policy on Adhering to the Text of the Administrative Procedure Act".

Impact

If HJR125 is enacted, it would have a significant impact on the operational framework of the Department of Health and Human Services regarding its adherence to the Administrative Procedure Act. This could potentially affect a multitude of policies that rely on the procedural guidelines set forth in the invalidated rule. Proponents argue that disapproving the rule reinforces legislative control over administrative agencies, while opponents may view this as undermining necessary regulations that ensure transparency and fairness in agency dealings.

Summary

HJR125 is a resolution aimed at providing congressional disapproval of a specific rule submitted by the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The resolution targets the 'Policy on Adhering to the Text of the Administrative Procedure Act', which outlines the regulations and procedures that the Department must follow in its operations. By passing this joint resolution, Congress seeks to invalidate this particular rule, stating it should have 'no force or effect' under the law. This measure reflects the ongoing tension between regulatory oversight and legislative authority.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR125 often focus on the balance of power between Congress and federal agencies. Supporters of the resolution claim that it is essential to curb what they see as overreach by administrative authorities, emphasizing the importance of legislative accountability. Critics, however, warn that this disapproval could lead to a rollback of beneficial regulations and hamper the agency's ability to implement necessary health policies effectively. This reflects a broader debate over the extent to which Congress should intervene in administrative rules and the implications such actions have for governance.