HR 277 would require Congress to approve major federal regulations before they take effect. Major rules are defined as those with significant economic impact ($100 million+ annually), major cost increases for consumers or industries, or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, or innovation. Agencies must submit detailed information about these rules to Congress, including cost-benefit analyses, before they can take effect. Congress would have 70 session days to approve the rule with a joint resolution; if they don't act within that timeframe, the rule would not take effect. This would increase congressional oversight of federal regulations and require more detailed information about proposed rules before they become law.
HRES 523 authorizes the House of Representatives to record a specific joint meeting of Congress on June 22, 2023, for educational purposes. The resolution permits video recording in the House Chamber during this single event to create a virtual reality experience for public educational use. This is a procedural resolution limited to one-time use, directly affecting the public by providing a new educational resource through the virtual experience. It does not change existing rules or apply to other meetings.
HR 288, the Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2023, amends federal law to change how courts review agency actions. It requires federal courts to decide de novo (anew) all legal questions - including interpretations of laws and the Constitution - when reviewing agency decisions, rather than deferring to agency interpretations. This applies to all judicial reviews of agency actions under existing law, unless a specific law explicitly exempts such cases. The bill directly affects federal courts, agencies, and parties involved in litigation over agency rules or enforcement. It aims to shift interpretive authority from agencies to courts in administrative law cases.
This bill prohibits the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from using federal funds to ban gas stoves or impose safety rules that would either prohibit their sale/use or substantially increase their average price (defined as exceeding typical homeowner spending on cooking appliances). It directly affects the CPSC, blocking its ability to regulate gas stoves under the Consumer Product Safety Act. The key mechanism is a funding restriction preventing the CPSC from taking specific regulatory actions on gas stoves. This bill does not change existing stove safety standards but limits future CPSC actions that could impact gas stove availability or cost.
HR 1640, the Save Our Gas Stoves Act, prevents the Department of Energy from implementing energy efficiency standards for gas stoves that would make them unavailable in the U.S. market. It amends federal law to require that any new standard for gas stoves must not result in the unavailability of gas stove types, directly affecting gas stove manufacturers and consumers who rely on these appliances. The bill specifically blocks the implementation of the 2023 proposed rule (Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Conventional Cooking Products) and any similar rule. This is a policy change focused on maintaining the availability of gas stoves by altering the criteria for energy standard approval.
HRES 272 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives calling on Russia to immediately release Paul Whelan, a U.S. citizen and Michigan resident imprisoned since 2018 on espionage charges without evidence. It demands Russia provide Whelan with consular access, ensure due process rights, and release him from his 16-year labor camp sentence. The resolution also thanks Canada, Ireland, and the U.K. for their efforts to secure his freedom and expresses sympathy to his family. As a formal statement of congressional position, it does not compel action but underscores the House's stance on Whelan's case.
S 305 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell commemorative coins (gold, silver, and half-dollar denominations) to mark the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary in 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($5 to $35 per coin) that will fund the Marine Corps Heritage Center's educational programs, with proceeds paid directly to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. The coins will be sold from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and the surcharge structure ensures no net cost to taxpayers by covering production expenses through sales. This bill directly affects the U.S. Mint (in coin production), the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (as recipient of funds), and the public (as potential buyers).
HR 3099 establishes a new Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords within the State Department, directly affecting U.S. diplomatic efforts and coordination. The envoy, appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, will coordinate U.S. government activities to expand diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Israel and Muslim-majority countries, including encouraging nations without formal relations with Israel to establish them. Key duties include strengthening existing Accords partnerships, fostering regional cooperation on issues like trade and water security, and providing diplomatic support for Israel’s regional engagement. The envoy must submit annual reports to Congress detailing specific diplomatic efforts and progress with partner countries.
This resolution designates June 2023 as Great Outdoors Month. The resolution encourages all individuals in the United States to responsibly participate in recreation activities in the great outdoors.
This resolution (HRES 502) formally appointed Congresswoman Becca Balint to the House Committee on the Judiciary. It is a procedural measure with no policy changes, solely addressing committee membership. The resolution was adopted by the House on June 13, 2023, to fill a vacancy on the Judiciary Committee. It directly affects committee operations by designating Ms. Balint as a voting member.
This House resolution (HRES 377) calls for the immediate release of Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen and Wall Street Journal reporter wrongfully detained by Russia since March 2023. It urges the U.S. government to press Russia for his release, demands consular access for him, and condemns Russia's detention of journalists. The resolution specifically references Gershkovich’s arrest on espionage charges without public evidence, aligning with Secretary Blinken’s designation of his detention as wrongful. It also extends similar calls for the release of other detained Americans, including Paul Whelan.
This resolution designates June 8, 2023, as "National Seersucker Day," every Thursday from that date through August 31, 2023, as "Seersucker Thursday," and June 2023 as "Seersucker Appreciation Month." It encourages Senators and local governments to promote wearing seersucker fabric - a lightweight, textured summer fabric - on these days, recognizing its historical use as a practical warm-weather garment. The resolution has no legal effect and serves solely as a ceremonial observance without creating new laws or affecting any individuals or groups.
