Contact Congress about H.R. 3446: Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2023

Federal agencies would have to disclose certain proposed court deals and take public comments before approval. The added reviews could give affected groups more say, but they could also slow settlements and new rules.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2023 is a House bill in Congress.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people, businesses, and governments touched by federal rules that are at issue in a lawsuit. It also affects groups suing agencies over delayed action. Federal agencies and courts would have to follow the new review steps. Congress would receive yearly reports about the cases and deals.

Why this matters: Agency settlements can shape when federal rules move forward, even when affected people were not part of the lawsuit. This bill would give those people more notice and a greater chance to take part. It would also make courts consider the agency's other legal duties before setting deadlines. These checks may improve openness and oversight. They could also slow cases that seek action already required by law. The final effect would depend on how agencies, courts, and parties use the new process.

Key provisions in H.R. 3446

• The bill covers lawsuits asking a court to make an agency act on a rule. The rule must affect private people or state, local, or tribal governments. It also covers related court-approved deals and settlements.
• In a covered case, an agency must post the notice of a planned lawsuit and the complaint online. It must do so within 15 days after receiving them.
• An agency must publish a proposed covered deal at least 60 days before taking it to court. It must post the deal online and in the Federal Register, the government's official public notice system.
• The agency must take and answer public comments on a proposed deal. It must give the court a comment summary, its responses, and a list of the official records behind the deal.
• Affected people and governments would usually be allowed to join the case as parties. Someone could show the court why they should not join. For governments, courts could weigh shared programs or whether federal law overrides their laws.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 3446

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 3446

What is H.R. 3446?

Federal agencies would have to disclose certain proposed court deals and take public comments before approval. The added reviews could give affected groups more say, but they could also slow settlements and new rules.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 3446?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 3446?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on H.R. 3446?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.