H.R. 418 — Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act

This section establishes requirements for notice-and-comment rulemaking under section 553 of title 5, United States Code. Specifically, it requires (1) that such rules be issued and signed by an individual appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, and (2) that such rules be initiated by a senior appointee (i.e., a Senate-confirmed presidential appointee, an acting appointee, or non-career Senior Executive Service member), except where the agency head nondelegably determines that compliance would impede public safety or security, notifies the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) Administrator of the reasons, and publishes the notification in the Federal Register (consistent with safety, security, and privacy). It further directs agency heads to ensure compliance; requires the OIRA Administrator to issue guidance and monitor compliance; states that it does not impair the Office of Management and Budget Director's functions regarding budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals; and defines key terms including "agency" and "rule" by reference to section 551 of title 5, United States Code (with "rule" excluding agency organization, procedure, or practice rules that do not substantially affect non-agency parties' rights or obligations).