Senate Republicans voted to repeal a Biden administration regulation pertaining to walk-in freezers and coolers Thursday, in a move they say will save small-business owners money. The resolution, H.J. Res. 24, passed 53-42 on a straight party-line vote.
The Congressional Review Act resolution eliminates then-President Joe Biden’s 2024 limits on the energy use of walk-in coolers, which are used by many small businesses. It had passed the House 203-182 on March 27 on a mostly party-line vote.
Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla., who introduced the regulation on the House side, argued that the energy-efficiency standards were a source of financial strain for owners of pharmacies, stores, and restaurants, while providing little benefit.
