WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde’s (GA-09) Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval, H.J.Res. 42, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 222-203. The resolution rescinds the Biden-Harris Administration’s final rule that places additional costs and red tape on appliance manufacturers with consumers bearing the ultimate cost.

On October 9th, 2024, the Biden-Harris Department of Energy finalized certification, labeling, and enforcement provisions for various consumer products and commercial equipment. The rule, entitled “Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment,” amended or created new requirements for 20 different products, including dishwashers, central AC and heat pumps, clothes washers, and more.

Earlier this week, the Office of Management and Budget issued a Statement of Administration Policy in support of H.J.Res. 42.

“Today, House Republicans forcefully rejected a costly Biden-era rule that puts unnecessary red tape on manufacturers, limits consumer choice, and raises costs for hardworking Americans,” said Clyde. “This severely misguided rule is a perfect example of the burdensome regulations that the Biden-Harris Administration forced on our country, stifling growth and restricting Americans' freedoms. Thankfully, President Trump and House Republicans are committed to rolling back these destructive policies. I thank my colleagues for supporting this commonsense resolution to protec
t both consumers and manufacturers, and I look forward to its swift passage in the Senate so we can send H.J.Res. 42 to President Trump’s desk.” 

“The passage of H.J. Res. 42 is another important step toward keeping our commitment to lower prices for American families,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Latta. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s DOE energy efficiency standards have led to less choice for Americans, more expensive products, and a system that is biased against affordable and reliable natural gas. Thank you to Congressman Clyde for his work on this issue and his commitment to supporting the American households and families who ultimately have borne the cost of the Biden-Harris Administration’s failed policies.”

“The Biden Administration imposed excessive, arbitrary regulations that drove up the cost of living for American families. Families neither need nor want Washington bureaucrats increasing household appliance costs through unnecessary mandates. Costly programs like the ‘Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standard’ burden manufacturers with red tape to meet government demands rather than consumer preferences, resulting in fewer choices and higher prices. Heritage Action applauds Rep. Clyde’s efforts to overturn this rule to lower prices and unburden families,” said Ryan Walker, Executive Vice President, Heritage Action.

“We are grateful to see H.J. Res. 42 brought to the House Floor and pass to correct the overbearing regulatory approach of the previous administration. The Department of Energy should not be promulgating rules that stifle industry and innovation with more bureaucratic hoops to jump through,” said Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Americans for Prosperity.

Prior to the vote, Rep. Clyde urged his colleagues to support his commonsense effort.

Watch his full remarks HERE.

Background

On February 12th, Rep. Clyde introduced more than a dozen Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolutions of disapproval to overturn various Biden-era regulations.

The move applied to 13 rules that are eligible for congressional review under the CRA’s lookback period, which provides Congress an additional review period to introduce joint resolutions of disapproval for rules submitted within the last few months of a President’s outgoing term. According to data from the American Action Forum, the total estimated savings of overturning these regulations is roughly $105 billion.