Overview: SJRES 82, A joint resolution 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".
Status: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged by petition pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
Introduced: September 18, 2025
Purpose and Intent: This joint resolution aims to disapprove a rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the agency's policy on adhering to the text of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
Key Provisions:
- Disapproves the HHS rule on APA adherence under the Congressional Review Act
- Prevents the HHS rule from taking effect and requires the agency to adhere to the original APA requirements
Affected Parties and Impacts: This resolution would directly impact the Department of Health and Human Services, requiring the agency to maintain its previous policy on following the APA. It could also have broader implications for how federal agencies interpret and apply administrative law.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The resolution has been discharged from the Senate committee and is now eligible for consideration by the full Senate. If passed by both chambers and signed into law, it would nullify the HHS rule and reinstate the original APA requirements.
