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".
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
This resolution cancels a March 2025 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy that let the agency skip public input when writing rules on grants, benefits, and contracts.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: patients, Medicaid recipients, nonprofits, and states that comment on HHS rules.
- Loses: HHS leadership wanting faster rulemaking without public hearings.
What it does
- Uses the Congressional Review Act to void the HHS 'Policy on Adhering to the Text of the Administrative Procedure Act.
- Restores the long-standing 'Richardson Waiver' requiring notice-and-comment on grant and benefit rules.
- Cites a Government Accountability Office (GAO) opinion confirming the policy counts as a rule Congress can reverse.
- Blocks HHS from reissuing a substantially similar policy.
Why should I care?
HHS runs Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and food safety. Supporters say public comment catches mistakes before rules hurt families. Critics argue skipping comment lets the government respond faster to health crises and cut red tape. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.