H.J. Res. 60 – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Park Service relating to ‘‘Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Motor Vehicles’’.; H.J. Res. 78 – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to ‘‘Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt’’.; H.J. Res. 87 – Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision’’.; H.J. Res. 88 – Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Advanced Clean Cars II; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision’’.; H.J. Res. 89 – Providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ‘‘California State Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The ‘Omnibus’ Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision’’.

Committee on Rules

2025-04-28

Loading video...

Source: Congress.gov

Summary

The meeting commenced with a moment of heartfelt condolences for Representative McGovern and his family following the passing of his daughter, Molly McGovern, underscoring a shared sense of humanity amidst political differences [ 00:08:21-00:09:52 ] [ 00:11:30-00:15:09 ] . The session then moved to contentious debates on several Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions aimed at overturning federal environmental and vehicle emissions regulations . Discussions also involved procedural matters, including amendments to suspend resolutions of inquiry and to enable a vote on presidential tariffs, highlighting deep divisions on legislative priorities and constitutional roles .

Themes

  • Condolences for Molly McGovern The committee began by expressing profound sympathies to Representative Jim McGovern and his family after the unexpected death of his daughter, Molly McGovern [ 00:08:21-00:09:52 ] [ 00:11:30-00:11:48 ] . Speakers from both parties remembered Molly as a vibrant, humorous, kind, and optimistic individual who radiated joy despite her health struggles [ 00:11:57-00:12:39 ] [ 00:13:12-00:13:49 ]

    Citation requires full transcript

    Sign in to continue

    Sign in
    . Her love for her family and sports teams was noted, and prayers were extended to the McGovern family during this difficult time [ 00:14:01-00:14:02 ]

    Citation requires full transcript

    Sign in to continue

    Sign in
    [ 00:14:59 ]

    Citation requires full transcript

    Sign in to continue

    Sign in
    .

  • Congressional Review Act (CRA) Resolutions on California Vehicle Emissions Several resolutions (H.J. Res 87, 88, 89) were introduced to disapprove EPA waivers for California's advanced clean vehicle standards . Supporters argued these mandates are disastrous, remove consumer choice, burden the auto and trucking industries, and are unworkable due to infrastructure limitations . Opponents contended that these resolutions are illegal under the CRA, as the waivers are not considered "rules" by the GAO and Senate Parliamentarian, and that they violate federalism principles by overturning California's long-standing authority to set stricter environmental standards [ 00:32:43-00:32:57 ]

    Citation requires full transcript

    Sign in to continue

    Sign in
    . The debate also highlighted the economic impact of electric vehicle mandates and the role of government versus consumer choice .

  • Congressional Review Act (CRA) Resolutions on National Parks and Endangered Species Two additional CRA resolutions were debated: H.J. Res 60 concerning motor vehicle use in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and H.J. Res 78 regarding the endangered species listing of the longfin smelt [ 00:18:45 ]

    Citation requires full transcript

    Sign in to continue

    Sign in
    . Proponents asserted that the Glen Canyon rule restricts public access to strategic areas and that the longfin smelt listing is based on flawed science, negatively impacting California's water supply and agriculture [ 00:18:47-00:19:25 ]

    Citation requires full transcript

    Sign in to continue

    Sign in
    [ 00:19:51-00:20:21 ]

    Citation requires full transcript

    Sign in to continue

    Sign in
    . Critics argued that the Glen Canyon rule carefully balances access with environmental protection, restricting only a small percentage of sensitive areas, and that invalidating the longfin smelt listing would ignore scientific evidence and permanently block federal protections for the species . Concerns were also voiced about Congress overreaching into specific management decisions and the potential for unintended consequences if these rules are overturned via CRA .

  • Debate on Congressional Process and Tariffs Procedural discussions included an attempt to remove a section suspending resolutions of inquiry (ROIs) [ 01:52:43-01:52:46 ]

    Citation requires full transcript

    Sign in to continue

    Sign in
    . The minority argued this suspension was an unjustified attempt by the majority to avoid difficult oversight votes, unlike the prior Democratic suspension during a global pandemic [ 01:57:26-01:58:41 ]

    Citation requires full transcript

    Sign in to continue

    Sign in
    . The majority countered that it was necessary to prevent obstruction and highlighted the longer duration of the previous Democratic suspension [ 01:53:09-01:53:22 ]

    Citation requires full transcript

    Sign in to continue

    Sign in
    . A second amendment proposed enabling the House to debate and vote on President Trump's tariffs, with the minority asserting this was a constitutional duty to address their negative economic impact . Both proposed amendments were ultimately rejected [ 02:01:02 ]

    Citation requires full transcript

    Sign in to continue

    Sign in
    .

Tone of the Meeting

The meeting began with a solemn and unified tone of empathy and condolence regarding a personal tragedy [ 00:08:21-00:15:09 ] . However, as discussions shifted to policy, the atmosphere became highly polarized and contentious, marked by sharp disagreements over the legality, intent, and impact of the proposed resolutions . Accusations of "filler bills" , "radical green policies" , "asinine rules" , and "government overreach" were exchanged, reflecting deep ideological divisions between the parties . The debates were characterized by strong rhetoric, particularly concerning federal versus state authority, environmental protection versus economic burden, and the role of congressional oversight .

Participants

Transcript

Good afternoon.  The committee will come to order.  Without objection, the chair is authorized to declare recess at any time.  Warning, I am very emotional.  Before we proceed with our meeting, I want to take a moment and say that Mr. McGovern and his family remain in our prayers.  For people who often tune in to the Rules Committee, it can seem   like there's a lot of conflict between our two sides.  And that's certainly true on a policy level.  But I think it's important, especially in these times, to remember that regardless of our disagreements about policy and the passion with which we argue, argue that across the other side of the dais, behind every one of the words uttered, there is a human being.   We all feel the same feelings.  So when one of our members experiences loss, it's something we're all unfortunately too familiar with.  The loss of a child, no matter the age, is one of the greatest heartbreaks imaginable.  I know that Molly was a very vibrant light within the McGovern family, and I am sure   that everyone who was fortunate enough to know her or even meet her could tell how much of a wonderful human being she was.  In this difficult time of loss, may Mr. McGovern and his family find continued comfort, peace, and strength from their faith and from those around them.  With that, I turn to Ms.  Scanlon for any comments she wishes to make.
Thank you, Chairwoman Fox.  I know I speak on behalf of our colleagues past and present when I say our hearts are with the McGovern family as they grieve the untimely passing of their beloved daughter, Molly.  I've spent years listening to Jim glowingly describe Molly as an amazing young woman whose sense of humor was matched by her big heart and impressive intellect.  Molly loved the Boston Bruins.   problem I might have from Philly, but she loved all her Boston teams.  She loved travel dogs and spending time with her beloved family, a family that gave her so much love and support and understanding that she was able to fly to spread her wings to   share her light despite her health challenges.  And of course, those of us who serve with Jim enjoyed his discomfort when his cell phone would go off in rules committee meetings after Molly had changed his ringtone to sicko mode.  Understandably, Jim can't be with us today, so I would like to read the following statement from him, his wife, Lisa, and their son, Patrick.   Molly radiated pure joy.  She lit up every room with her beaming smile full of laughter, endless warmth and a sharp wit that could disarm you in an instant.  She was unbelievably funny, fiercely loyal and wise beyond her years.  Molly had a rare gift.  She made everyone feel special because she genuinely believed everyone was special.  She treated people with compassion and kindness, always standing up for the underdog and making fast friends wherever she went.   Her love for the Boston Bruins was fierce, but it was no match for the love she gave so freely to her family and friends.   If you ever met Molly, you carried a piece of her light with you.  She had that kind of effect on people.  Even as she faced a rare cancer diagnosis, she did so with relentless courage, optimism, and tenacity, refusing to let her illness slow her down.  She had just finished a semester abroad in Australia.  She passed away unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family.
Molly will always be the soul of our family.   We're so proud of her and so glad that so many people were touched by her incredible life.  We love you, Molly.  We miss you already.  Of course, our hearts go out to Jim and his family at this difficult time, and we hope that they and the entire McGovern team know that they're in our prayers.  I yield back.
HJ res 60, HJ res 78, HJ res 87, HJ res 88, HJ res 89.  HJ res 60 provides for congressional disapproval of a rule submitted by the National Park Service in the last administration relating to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area motor vehicles.   The National Park Service holds a dual mandate that combines conservation alongside the offering of public recreation.  However, this National Park Service rule violates the agency's own dual mandate.  Many citizens in Utah live in areas that are locked in by national parks, and they rely on ATVs and other off-road vehicles to navigate freely.  This Park Service rule would strip them of that ability.

Sign up for free to see the full transcript

Accounts help us prevent bots from abusing our site. Accounts are free and will allow you to access the full transcript.

Sign up