Summary of HRES 242

Bill Number: HRES 242

Introduced On: March 24, 2025

Status: Motion to reconsider laid on the table; agreed to without objection.

Primary Sponsor: Virginia Foxx

Purpose and Intent

House Resolution 242 (HRES 242) is a legislative measure that facilitates the consideration of two joint resolutions aimed at disapproving specific energy conservation standards set by the Department of Energy (DOE) and a bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. The intent is to provide Congress with the opportunity to review and potentially reject regulations that may impact energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigeration equipment and to enhance transparency regarding foreign gifts and contracts in higher education.

Key Provisions

Consideration of Joint Resolutions

1. H.J. Res. 24:

   • Concerns the DOE's energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and freezers.
   • The resolution allows for a closed rule, waiving all points of order against its consideration.
   • Provides for one hour of general debate, equally divided between the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

2. H.J. Res. 75:

   • Addresses energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers.
   • Similar provisions as H.J. Res. 24 regarding closed rule and debate time.

Consideration of H.R. 1048

• H.R. 1048: A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to:
  • Strengthen disclosure requirements related to foreign gifts and contracts.
  • Prohibit contracts between institutions of higher education and certain foreign entities and countries of concern.
• This bill will be considered under a structured rule, allowing for specific amendments and debate time.

Impact

• Affected Entities:

  • The resolutions primarily affect the Department of Energy and businesses involved in the production and sale of commercial refrigeration equipment.
  • H.R. 1048 impacts institutions of higher education, particularly those receiving foreign funding or contracts.

• Regulatory Environment:

  • If passed, the joint resolutions would nullify the existing energy conservation standards, potentially affecting energy efficiency initiatives and compliance requirements for businesses.
  • H.R. 1048 aims to enhance accountability and transparency in higher education funding, particularly concerning foreign influence.

Procedural Aspects

• The resolution was reported by the House Committee on Rules and passed by a recorded vote of 214-207.
• The debate on HRES 242 included one hour of discussion, and the resolution allows for one motion to recommit for each measure considered.
• All points of order against the provisions in the resolutions and the bill are waived, streamlining the legislative process.

Conclusion

HRES 242 serves as a procedural vehicle to enable Congress to review and potentially reject specific energy conservation regulations while also addressing transparency in higher education funding. The outcomes of these resolutions and the accompanying bill could have significant implications for energy policy and educational institutions in the United States.