Contact Congress about S. 485: Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2025
Major federal rules could not take effect unless Congress approves them and the President signs off. The bill also adds cost caps, public posting rules, court challenges, and 10-year expiration dates for many major rules.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, 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.
Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2025 is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Latest action on S. 485: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects federal agencies because it changes when their biggest rules can take effect. It also affects businesses, workers, consumers, and communities covered by federal rules. Congress, the President, OMB, GAO, and federal courts would all get larger roles in reviewing rules and settling disputes.
Why this matters: This bill matters because it changes who decides whether big federal rules take effect. Agencies write many rules that shape daily life, from workplace rules to financial and environmental rules. This bill would make Congress approve major rules first. That could add public accountability, but it could also slow or block rules when Congress does not act.
Key provisions in S. 485
- Major rules could not take effect unless Congress approves them and the President signs off. This also covers certain high-impact guidance documents, and Congress would have about 70 legislative or session days to act.
- Agencies would have to send Congress and the Comptroller General, who leads GAO, a detailed report for each rule. The report must include the rule text, a summary, why it is major or nonmajor, related actions, costs and benefits, and job effects.
- GAO would have 15 calendar days to review each major rule after it receives it. GAO would check whether the agency followed required steps and whether the rule adds new limits or mandates for the private sector.
- The President could let a major rule start for one 90-day period without Congress approving it first. This would be allowed only for emergencies, criminal law enforcement, national security, or certain trade-agreement rules.
- OMB would have to publish a government-wide rulemaking list twice a year. The list would include planned rules and rollbacks, plus a yearly plan with expected significant rules, costs, benefits, and job effects.
How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 485
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 S. 485
- What is S. 485?
- Major federal rules could not take effect unless Congress approves them and the President signs off. The bill also adds cost caps, public posting rules, court challenges, and 10-year expiration dates for many major rules.
- How do I support or oppose S. 485?
- 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 S. 485?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain S. 485 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
