H.R.es161 - Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to ‘‘Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters’’; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, …
Summary
H.Res. 161 is a resolution providing for the consideration of three separate items in the House of Representatives. These items include H.J. Res. 20, concerning energy conservation standards for gas-fired water heaters, H.J. Res. 35, addressing waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems, and H. Con. Res. 14, which establishes the congressional budget for the U.S. government for fiscal year 2025 and sets budgetary levels through 2034.
The resolution outlines the procedures for debating and voting on these measures, including waiving points of order and setting time limits for debate. It specifies the committees and representatives who will control the debate time.
Ultimately, H.Res. 161 is a procedural rule that governs how the House will consider these significant pieces of legislation related to energy, environmental regulations, and the federal budget.
Expected Effects
The adoption of H.Res. 161 will allow the House to proceed with debates and votes on the disapproval of certain energy and environmental regulations, as well as the establishment of the federal budget for fiscal year 2025 and beyond. This could lead to changes in energy conservation standards, waste emission charges, and the overall budgetary framework of the government.
Specifically, passage of H.J. Res 20 and 35 would nullify the rules submitted by the Department of Energy and EPA respectively. The passage of H.Con.Res 14 would set the congressional budget for the next decade.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined legislative process: H.Res. 161 expedites the consideration of important resolutions by waiving points of order and setting clear debate parameters.
- Congressional oversight: Allows Congress to review and potentially disapprove of executive agency regulations, ensuring accountability.
- Budgetary framework: Establishes a congressional budget for fiscal year 2025 and sets budgetary levels for future years, providing a roadmap for government spending.
- Focused debate: Allocates specific debate time and designates representatives to control the discussion, ensuring a structured and informed deliberation.
- Opportunity for amendments: Provides a mechanism for offering amendments to the concurrent resolution, allowing for adjustments and refinements to the budget.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited debate: The resolution restricts debate time, which may not allow for a thorough examination of all aspects of the resolutions under consideration.
- Waiver of points of order: Waiving points of order could bypass certain procedural safeguards and potentially lead to unintended consequences.
- Potential for partisan gridlock: Disagreements over energy, environmental, and budgetary policies could lead to partisan gridlock and hinder the legislative process.
- Reduced transparency: Expedited procedures may limit public input and scrutiny of the resolutions.
- Possible negative impacts on specific sectors: Disapproval of energy and environmental regulations could have adverse effects on industries and communities that rely on those regulations.
Constitutional Alignment
H.Res. 161 primarily concerns the legislative process within the House of Representatives, which is authorized by Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution, granting each house the power to determine the rules of its proceedings. The resolution also relates to Congress's power to legislate on matters of energy, environmental regulation, and the federal budget, as implied by Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
The resolution's provision for congressional disapproval of agency rules aligns with the principle of legislative oversight and checks and balances, ensuring that executive agencies do not exceed their delegated authority. The establishment of a congressional budget also falls within Congress's constitutional authority to control federal spending and appropriations.
Overall, the resolution appears to be consistent with the Constitution's allocation of legislative powers and the principles of checks and balances.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).