Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act

HR 357, the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act, requires federal agencies to have rules signed by Senate-confirmed appointees (or senior appointees for initiation), aiming to increase oversight of regulatory decisions. It directly affects all federal agencies creating rules under standard procedures (covered by 5 U.S.C. § 553), ensuring higher-level accountability for rulemaking. Exceptions exist only if an agency head certifies that compliance would impede public safety/security, with required notifications to the OIRA Administrator and Federal Register publication. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) will monitor agency compliance with these requirements.