WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S.J.Res. 31 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-20

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act".

Became lawEnvironmental Protection
IntroducedMar 6, 2025
Passed SenateMay 1, 2025
Passed HouseMay 22, 2025
To PresidentJun 10, 2025
Became lawJun 20, 2025

What it does

Sourced

This joint resolution removes the requirements for sources of persistent and bioaccumulative hazardous air pollutants to comply with certain major source emissions standards when those sources reclassify as area sources (which have less stringent standards). Specifically, the joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency rule titled Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. The rule requires sources that seek to reclassify as area sources to implement certain control methods (e.g., continue to employ emission control methods required under the major sources requirements) to ensure they do not increase emissions beyond the major source requirements applicable at the time of reclassification.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, Jun 20, 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

Sourced
  1. 2025-06-20Became Public Law No: 119-20.Library of Congress
  2. 2025-06-20Became Public Law No: 119-20.Library of Congress
  3. 2025-06-20Signed by President.Library of Congress
  4. 2025-06-20Signed by President.Library of Congress
  5. 2025-06-10Presented to President.House floor actions
  6. 2025-06-10Presented to President.Library of Congress
  7. 2025-05-22Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
  8. 2025-05-22On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 212 (Roll no. 143). Roll call recordHouse floor actions
  9. 2025-05-22Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 212 (Roll no. 143). Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  10. 2025-05-22Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2232-2233)House floor actions
  11. 2025-05-21POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on S.J. Res. 31, the Chair put the question on passage of the joint resolution and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.House floor actions
  12. 2025-05-21The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
  13. 2025-05-21DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S.J. Res. 31.House floor actions
  14. 2025-05-21Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 13 and S.J. Res. 31. The resolution provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 13 and S.J. Res. 31 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each joint resolution. The resolution also provides for a motion to commit on both joint resolutions.House floor actions
  15. 2025-05-21Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 426. (consideration: CR H2212-2217)House floor actions
  16. 2025-05-20Rule H. Res. 426 passed House.House floor actions
  17. 2025-05-19Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 426 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 13 and S.J. Res. 31. The resolution provides for consideration of S.J. Res. 13 and S.J. Res. 31 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each joint resolution. The resolution also provides for a motion to commit on both joint resolutions.House floor actions
  18. 2025-05-05Held at the desk.House floor actions
  19. 2025-05-05Received in the House.House floor actions
  20. 2025-05-01Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
  21. 2025-05-01Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 46. Record Vote Number: 229. Roll call recordSenate
  22. 2025-05-01Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 46. Record Vote Number: 229. Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  23. 2025-05-01Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S2723, S2727)Senate
  24. 2025-04-30Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S2707-2709)Senate
  25. 2025-04-30Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 52 - 40. Record Vote Number: 227. Roll call recordSenate
  26. 2025-03-14Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 31.Senate
  27. 2025-03-14Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).Senate
  28. 2025-03-14Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).Library of Congress
  29. 2025-03-06Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.Senate
  30. 2025-03-06Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show key steps only

After it became law

Sourced

Since it became law on Jun 20, 2025, the Federal Register, the government's daily record of rules and notices, has published 1 document that name it: 1 final rule.

Named in the body of the document

The quote shows how each one uses the law: as the reason for a change, as background, or in passing.

  1. Final ruleJan 2, 2026Environmental Protection Agency
    Congressional Review Act Revocation of 2024 Review of Final Rule Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act
    Under the authority of the Congressional Review Act and Public Law 119-20, 139 Stat. 71, the Environmental Protection Agency amends part 63 of title 40, chapter I, of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
    In effect since Jan 2, 2026 · Changes 40 CFR part 63

Found by searching the Federal Register for Public Law 119-20 and the law's names, then reading each document: every one listed contains them, and the quote is its own words. An agency can carry out a law without naming it, so this list can miss some. Checked Oct 27, 2026. Every new law's rules

Recorded votes

Sourced

Apr 30, 2025 · Senate roll call 227 · needed 1/2

On the Motion to Proceed: Motion to Proceed Agreed to 52–40

R 52 yes, 0 no, 1 present or not votingI 0 yes, 1 no, 1 present or not votingD 0 yes, 39 no, 6 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

May 1, 2025 · Senate roll call 229 · needed 1/2

On the Joint Resolution: Joint Resolution Passed 52–46

R 52 yes, 0 no, 1 present or not votingI 0 yes, 2 noD 0 yes, 44 no, 1 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

May 22, 2025 · House roll call 143 · needed 1/2

On Passage: Passed 216–212

R 216 yes, 1 no, 3 present or not votingD 0 yes, 211 no, 1 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

Cosponsors

  • Shelley Moore Capito R-WV
  • Kevin Cramer R-ND
  • John Hoeven R-ND
  • Cynthia M. Lummis R-WY
  • Dan Sullivan R-AK