Congressional Review Act — Congress overruling the agencies
The Congressional Review Act of 1996 lets Congress pass a joint resolution disapproving a federal agency rule, voiding the rule and barring the agency from re-issuing a substantially similar one. CRA resolutions are privileged: they need only simple majority (not 60), and only 10 hours of Senate debate. They're rare, but consequential.
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Step 1 — Rule is finalized
A federal agency publishes a final rule in the Federal Register. Congress has 60 legislative days to act under the CRA.
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Step 2 — Disapproval resolution introduced
A resolution of disapproval (joint resolution, "JR") is introduced. In the Senate, 30 senators can force a discharge from committee.
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Step 3 — Simple-majority votes in both chambers
No filibuster, no 60-vote threshold. Simple majority in both chambers passes the resolution. The president can sign or veto.
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Step 4 — Effect
If signed (or veto-overridden), the rule is voided immediately, and the agency cannot re-issue substantially the same rule without new legislation.