Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana has introduced a new legislative proposal aimed at increasing oversight of executive agencies' rulemaking processes. The proposed legislation, known as the Bureaucratic Limitation and Overreach Control (BLOCK) Act, seeks to modify the Congressional Review Act (CRA) by reducing the economic impact threshold for major rules from $100 million to $50 million annually. Under this change, any rule expected to meet or exceed this financial impact would require congressional approval through a joint resolution before it could be enacted.

Kennedy emphasized the importance of maintaining checks and balances on agency actions: "For too long, unelected bureaucrats have tried to take on the job of lawmakers by enforcing regulations that burden millions of people’s lives. My BLOCK Act gives Congress the authority to exercise checks and balances over agencies on behalf of Americans and keeps the administrative state at bay."

The BLOCK Act includes provisions allowing major rules to be implemented if deemed necessary by the president for national security or disaster response. However, these rules would still need congressional approval within 15 session days or they would become invalid.

Additionally, six months after becoming law, federal agencies would be required to submit 20% of their existing major rules for congressional approval. This process would continue annually until all such rules have been reviewed within five years.

The act also distinguishes between major and minor rules, permitting minor rules—those with an economic impact under $50 million—to take effect upon publication in the Federal Register. Nonetheless, Congress retains the power to reverse these minor rules through a joint resolution of disapproval under the CRA.

The full text of the bill is available for review.