Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act

This bill aims to make federal rulemaking more accountable. It says that any new rule that goes through the public comment process must be started by a senior agency appointee and must be issued and signed by a leader who was appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Internal agency rules that don’t affect people outside the agency are not covered. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) would give guidance and check that agencies follow these requirements.

There’s a narrow safety exception. If following these steps would harm public safety or security, the agency head can make an exception, but must explain it to OIRA and, as appropriate, publish a notice in the Federal Register.

• Who is affected: Federal agencies and, indirectly, the public who is impacted by agency rules.
• What changes: Senior leaders must start rulemaking, and a Senate‑confirmed official must sign final rules; OIRA provides guidance and oversight; internal, non‑public‑impact rules are excluded; a limited safety/security exception is allowed with disclosure .
• When: The provided text does not specify an effective date.