Congressional Review Act

The Congressional Review Act (CRA) was enacted to strengthen congressional oversight of federal agencies’ rules. CRA requires federal agencies to submit a report on each new rule to both houses of Congress and to GAO’s Comptroller General for review before the rule can take effect. For rules that qualify as "major rules," GAO must submit a report to Congress identifying whether the agency’s submission complied with the required procedural steps. If Congress does not approve of a rule, it can enact a resolution of disapproval. In that case, the new rule has no force or effect.

Agencies should submit rules to GAO by emailing a completed Submission Form (PDF, 2 pages), along with a copy of the rule, to RulesC@gao.gov. Please see the FAQs for additional information on submitting rules under CRA.

GAO also issues legal decisions on agency compliance with CRA when requested by Congress.

Please send comments and suggestions to FedRules@gao.gov.