CRS Considers Implications of Congressional Review Act "Lookback Provisions" for 117th Congress

The Congressional Research Service ("CRS") reviewed the application of the Congressional Review Act ("CRA") "lookback" provisions to final rules adopted in the last months of the Trump administration (rules adopted between August 21, 2020 and January 3, 2021).

In the report, CRS explained that the CRA authorizes Congress to overturn a final rule issued by a federal agency through a "(joint) resolution of disapproval," which must pass both houses of Congress and be signed by the President during a 60-day review period, although a longer period is permissible in some circumstances.