Regulatory Cooling Off Act of 2025

Summary

Lengthens multiple federal rulemaking timelines so finalized rules generally take effect six months after publication instead of 30 days, and gives Congress six months to review or affirm rules instead of 60 days. It also requires earlier sharing of final rules with congressional committees, requires agencies to post rules on their websites before Federal Register publication, requires a Federal Register notice on the effective date, and lets plaintiffs sue in the district where they live or any district where the agency has an office. The changes slow and add procedural steps to the rulemaking process, increase agency administrative work, expand venue options for litigation, and extend the period during which Congress can block or affirm a rule.

• Default rule effectiveness delay increases from 30 days to 6 months.
• Congressional review window extended from 60 days to 6 months unless Congress affirmatively approves the rule.
• Agencies must submit finalized rules to congressional committees at least 6 months before the rule's effective date.
• Agencies must post final or proposed rules on their websites at least 24 hours before Federal Register publication and publish a Federal Register notice on the effective date.
• Litigants can bring civil actions in the district where they live or in any district where the agency has an office, expanding venue options.
• Applies to federal agencies that issue rules and to parties affected by or challenging those rules.
• Increases administrative and compliance burdens on agencies and regulated entities due to longer timelines and extra notice steps.
• Raises the likelihood of delayed policy implementation and prolonged regulatory uncertainty.
• Does not appropriate new funds or create new programs; it changes procedural law governing rulemaking and judicial review.