EXCLAVE Act of 2026

More rulemaking access for isolated residents

If enacted, the bill would add special rulemaking steps for residents of U.S. areas that are land-accessible only through another country. Agencies would say in the public notice if a proposed rule may uniquely burden those residents. If the agency finds that burden, or a resident files a qualifying comment, the agency would hold a meeting just for those residents within 30 days. The meeting would be reasonably accessible, including by phone or online, and agencies would give local officials at least 30 days' notice. Agencies would record and publish meeting records in the Federal Register within 60 days and respond to each comment from those residents in the final rule. OIRA would set a process to identify such comments. The OMB Director would also create a list of these "pene-exclaves" and local contact information within 90 days, and local 501(c)(3) charities could join that list by petition. "Unique burden" would cover problems like crossing the U.S. border, getting emergency services, veterinary care, food, health care, or doing business.