Passed House. Latest step, Apr 17, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. The House passed it 222–205.All 4 of Iowa's representatives voted yes in the House. It would change 1 section of existing law.
How this bill changes the law
Sourced
H.R. 6398 would change 1 section of existing law. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (Apr 17, 2026).
(a) Environmental impact. The Administrator shall review and comment in writing, and comment in writing, on the environmental impact of any matter relating to duties and responsibilities granted pursuant to this chapter or other provisions of the authority of the Administrator, contained in any (1) legislation proposed by any Federal…
The bill says: by striking "and comment in writing" and inserting ", and comment in writing,";
(a) Environmental impact. The Administrator shall review and comment in writing on the environmental impact of any matter relating to duties and responsibilities granted pursuant to this chapter or other provisions of the authority of the Administrator,Administrator contained in any (1) legislation proposed by any Federal department or agency, (2) newly authorized Federal projects for construction and any major Federal agency action (other than a project for construction) to which section 4332(2)(C)…
The bill says: by striking "Administrator," and inserting "Administrator";
(a) Environmental impact. The Administrator shall review and comment in writing on the environmental impact of any matter relating to duties and responsibilities granted pursuant to this chapter or other provisions of the authority of the Administrator, contained in any (1) legislation proposed by any Federal department or agency, (2) newly authorized Federal projects for construction and any major Federal agency action (other than a project for construction) to which section 4332(2)(C) of this title applies, and (3) proposed regulations published by any department or agency of the Federal Government. Such written comment shall be made public at the conclusion of any such review.
The bill says: by striking ", (2) newly authorized Federal projects for construction and any major Federal agency action (other than a project for construction) to which section 102(2)(C) of Public Law 91–190 applies, and (3) proposed regulations published by any department or agency of the Federal Government"; and
(b) Unsatisfactory legislation, action, or regulation. In the event the Administrator determines that any such legislation, action, or regulation is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of public health or welfare or environmental quality, he shall publish his determination and the matter shall be referred to the Council on Environmental Quality.
The bill says: in subsection (b), by striking ", action, or regulation".
From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.
What it does
Sourced
Reducing and Eliminating Duplicative Environmental Regulations Act or the RED Tape Act
This bill removes the requirement under the Clean Air Act that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review and comment on newly authorized federal construction projects and other major federal agency actions that already require review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and proposed federal regulations.
Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Dec 3, 2025).
Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.
What has happened
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Apr 17, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.Senate
Apr 16, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
Apr 16, 2026On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 222 - 205 (Roll no. 118). Roll call recordHouse floor actions
Apr 16, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 222 - 205 (Roll no. 118). Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
Apr 16, 2026On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 213 - 216 (Roll no. 117). Roll call recordHouse floor actions
Apr 15, 2026POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 6398, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit, and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mrs. Grijalva demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.House floor actions
Apr 15, 2026The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.House floor actions
Apr 15, 2026Mrs. Grijalva moved to recommit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. (text: CR H2912-2913)House floor actions
Apr 15, 2026The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
Apr 15, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 6398.House floor actions
Apr 15, 2026Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6387, H.R. 6398, H.R. 6409 and H. Res. 1156. The resolution provides for consideration of each measure under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution also provides one motion to recommit on H.R. 6387, H.R. 6398, and H.R. 6409.House floor actions
Apr 15, 2026Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1174. (consideration: CR H2909-2913; text: CR H2909)House floor actions
Apr 15, 2026Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1174 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 6387, H.R. 6398, H.R. 6409 and H. Res. 1156. The resolution provides for consideration of each measure under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution also provides one motion to recommit on H.R. 6387, H.R. 6398, and H.R. 6409.House floor actions
Apr 9, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 516.House floor actions
Apr 9, 2026Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-596.House floor actions
Apr 9, 2026Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-596.Library of Congress
Jan 21, 2026Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 22.House committee actions
Jan 21, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
Dec 10, 2025Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by the Yeas and Nays: 12 - 10.House committee actions
Dec 10, 2025Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
Dec 3, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.House committee actions
Dec 3, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.House floor actions