Summary of S. Res. 198 (Senate Resolution)

Purpose

S. Res. 198 expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Health and Human Services should withdraw a specific Federal Register notice (March 3, 2025; 90 Fed. Reg. 11029) that would reduce public notice and comment opportunities for rulemaking. The resolution also calls to affirm the existing practices in effect on February 27, 2025, which involve public participation in rulemaking procedures.

Key Provisions

• Declares that the Secretary of Health and Human Services should withdraw the March 3, 2025 Federal Register notice proposing to reduce public notice and comment opportunities.
• Affirms and maintain practices in effect as of February 27, 2025, which involve public participation in rulemaking processes.
• Non-binding: As a Senate resolution, the measure expresses the Senate’s position rather than creating or altering law or regulatory requirements.

Affected Parties and Scope

• Primarily directed at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its rulemaking processes.
• Public stakeholders who participate in or are affected by HHS regulatory actions (e.g., individuals, industry groups, health advocates) would be influenced insofar as public notice and comment opportunities are preserved.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Type: Senate Resolution (S.Res.)
• Status: Introduced in the Senate on May 1, 2025.
• Legislative actions: Referred to the Committee on Finance (CR S2740:2) on May 1, 2025; Senate introduction also recorded on the same date.
• Companion legislation: Related House companion is H.Res. 369.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Ron Wyden
• Notable cosponsors include: Mark R. Warner, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Amy Klobuchar, Angus S. King, Jacky Rosen, Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, Chris Van Hollen, Peter Welch, Angela Alsobrooks, Jeff Merkley, Edward J. Markey, Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Mazie K. Hirono, Tina Smith, Sheldon Whitehouse, and others.

Related Legislation

• Companion House measure: H.Res. 369

Potential Impact

• Non-binding effect: The resolution signals broad Senate opposition to the proposed reduction in public notice and comment opportunities and urges HHS to revert to prior practices.
• Political and administrative signaling: May influence policy dialogue and set a legislative posture regarding transparency and stakeholder engagement in rulemaking, potentially shaping future regulatory actions or reform efforts within HHS.

Notes

• The bill references a specific Federal Register notice (March 3, 2025; 90 Fed. Reg. 11029) and the rulemaking practices in effect on February 27, 2025.
• No direct statutory changes or funding implications are embedded in this resolution; its effect is persuasive rather than statutory.