Congressional Review Act

The Congressional Review Act (CRA) is a law that allows Congress to review and potentially cancel new federal regulations issued by government agencies. After an agency publishes a regulation, Congress has a window—typically 60 days—to review it. During this period, Congress can pass a joint resolution to disapprove of the regulation, effectively nullifying it. If both the House and Senate approve the resolution and the President signs it, the regulation is overturned. The CRA provides Congress with a check on agency authority, ensuring it can block regulations it views as problematic without waiting for judicial review.