Bill · S. 368· Senate(119-S-368)
BLOCK Act
- Introduced
- 2/3/2025
- Last activity
- 2/3/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- John Kennedy
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The BLOCK Act requires federal agencies to undergo congressional review before certain rules can take effect. Under this bill, "major rules" are defined as those expected to cost at least $50,000,000 annually. These major rules cannot take effect unless Congress enacts a joint resolution of approval. For nonmajor rules, Congress has the opportunity to pass a joint resolution of disapproval. The bill also establishes procedures for the review of rules currently in effect.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
The bill provides business owners with more oversight and potential delays against high-cost government mandates.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill requires agencies to publish data, studies, and cost-benefit analyses for public access.
Would farmers be better off under this?+2
The bill may reduce the regulatory burden on agricultural activities through congressional oversight.
The opposite· 3 of 7
Does this give the federal government more power?-4
The bill reduces the independent power of federal agencies to implement rules without congressional approval.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?-3
The requirement for congressional approval may delay environmental regulations aimed at reducing emissions.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-3
The review process could prevent many environmental protection rules from taking effect.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency: Before a rule takes effect, agencies must publish a list of information including data, scientific and economic studies, and cost-benefit analyses, and explain how the public can access this online (Sec. 801(a)(1)(A)).
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Economic Oversight: Agencies must provide a complete copy of a cost-benefit analysis, including any analysis of jobs added or lost, differentiating between public and private sector jobs (Sec. 801(a)(1)(B)(i)).
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Inflation Monitoring: Agencies are required to submit an estimate of the effect of the rule on inflation (Sec. 801(a)(1)(B)(iv)).
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Accountability for High-Cost Rules: The Comptroller General will assess whether a major rule imposes new limits or mandates on private-sector activity (Sec. 801(a)(2)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Delays in Implementation: Major rules cannot take effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted, and if such a resolution is not enacted within 30 session or legislative days, the rule is deemed not approved (Sec. 801(b)(1)-(2)).
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Rule Expiration: For certain rules currently in effect, if Congress has not enacted a joint resolution of approval within five years of the Act's enactment, those rules shall not continue in effect (Sec. 808(b)).
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Potential for Regulatory Uncertainty: The process requires agencies to designate at least 20 percent of eligible rules for annual review, and if Congress does not approve all designated rules within 90 days, they have no effect (Sec. 808(a)-(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-3Reduces Carbon Emissions-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+3Good For Farmers+2Good For High Income Households+1Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Union Workers-2Good For Low Income Households-1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+2Improves Economic Growth+1Improves Small Business Support+1Reduces Inflation+1Improves Consumer Protection-2Increases Job Creation-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increase States Rights+1Increases Federal Power-4
- 2/3/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.