Since our last update on May 27, we have seen a slowdown in developments regarding Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions, which is consistent with Senate timelines for considering and voting on joint resolutions.
However, there has been one key development that closes a chapter opened on April 2, when House Republicans decided to use CRA procedures to undo the waivers issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to California. On June 12, President Trump signed three CRA resolutions effectively ending the Clean Air Act waivers, consolidating a move that could have far-reaching consequences in the future. To understand the implications of this decision, please see this recent blog post from Policy Director James Goodwin.
With the repeal of the Clean Air Act waivers, this Congress is firmly on track to match the number of CRA resolutions signed into law by President Trump during his first term (16). In this Congress, 14 resolutions have already become law, with two more sitting on the president’s desk, waiting for his signature. In a rather puzzling turn, these resolutions were already waiting for Trump’s signature by the time the Clean Air Act waivers were signed into law, but we could not find any evidence that they were signed. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates accordingly.
