WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJRES 144

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".

119th Congress Introduced by Gabe Amo and 144 co-sponsors

The bill uses the Congressional Review Act to nullify the VA rule on Reproductive Health Services, removing its force and effect if enacted.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJRES 144

Summary of H.J.Res. 144 (118th Congress) – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the VA rule on “Reproductive Health Services”

Note: This summary reflects the text and stated purpose of the bill as introduced. It does not reflect any legislative action or outcomes.

1. Primary purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) process to disapprove a rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding “Reproductive Health Services.”
  • If enacted, the resolution would nullify the VA rule and prevent it from having any force or effect.

2. Key provisions and changes the bill would make

  • Declares Congress’s disapproval of the VA rule titled “Reproductive Health Services,” as published in the Federal Register: 90 Fed. Reg. 61310 (December 31, 2025).
  • Under the Congressional Review Act (chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code), a joint resolution of disapproval is passed by both chambers and sent to the president for enactment, effectively nullifying the rule.
  • The bill states explicitly that the rule “shall have no force or effect” if the joint resolution is enacted.

3. Who or what would be affected

  • The target is a VA rule concerning reproductive health services. The bill would affect federal regulatory authority by nullifying that specific VA rule.
  • VA programs and beneficiaries: Veterans who would be affected by the policy change implemented in the challenged rule would be indirectly affected, since the rule’s disapproval would remove that regulatory change from effect.
  • Administrative process: The bill uses the CRA mechanism to veto a substantive rule, altering the timing and effectiveness of VA policy related to reproductive health services.

4. Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction date: January 27, 2026.
  • Referral: House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
  • The bill is a joint resolution (HJRes 144) that would require passage by both the House and Senate and the President’s signature to become law.
  • It references a specific VA rule published December 31, 2025 (90 Fed. Reg. 61310) as the subject of disapproval.
  • If enacted, the rule would have no force or effect from the date the joint resolution becomes law (subject to standard CRA implementation timelines).

5. Practical considerations

  • Legislative strategy: This is a targeted use of the CRA to override a single VA rule, rather than broad changes to VA policy.
  • Policy implications: The disapproval would prevent the VA’s reproductive health services rule from operating, preserving prior regulatory posture unless another rule or policy is adopted outside this resolution.
  • Political considerations: As a joint resolution under the CRA, it requires cross-chamber support and presidential alignment; margins and negotiations could influence its passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.