A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the Department of the Treasury relating to the review of applications under the Bank Merger Act.

# Summary of S.J. Res. 13 **What the Bill Does:** This bill cancels a new banking rule that the Treasury Department's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued in September 2024. The rule had changed how the government reviews bank merger applications by removing a fast-track approval process and eliminating simplified application forms that banks could use. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects banks seeking to merge or combine with other institutions, as well as the federal agencies responsible for reviewing these deals.

It also touches on broader regulatory oversight, as it represents Congress using its authority to reject executive branch rules. **Key Provisions and Current Status:** The resolution essentially restores the previous merger review procedures that were in place before September 2024. It was sponsored by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) and has already been signed into law, meaning it is now in effect. This is an example of congressional "disapproval" authority, which allows Congress to overturn federal agency rules within a specific timeframe.