What allows Congress to influence the authority of federal agencies?

Enabling legislation is a key mechanism through which Congress can influence the authority of federal agencies. This type of legislation provides the legal foundation for the creation of a federal agency and outlines the scope of its powers and responsibilities. By specifying how the agency should operate, what powers it has, and under what circumstances it can act, Congress effectively shapes the agency’s operations and regulatory framework.

For instance, when Congress passes an enabling statute to create an agency, it can include specific directives or limitations on the agency’s authority, thereby guiding its decisions and actions. This control allows Congress to hold agencies accountable and ensures that they operate within the boundaries set by lawmakers.

The other options do not serve the same role as enabling legislation. Judicial review pertains to the power of courts to assess the legality of actions taken by federal agencies, but it does not provide Congress with direct influence over agency authority. Executive orders are directives issued by the president that can manage the operations of federal agencies but do not stem from congressional authority. Declaratory judgments are court rulings that clarify the legal status of a situation but do not involve Congress's influence over federal agency authority.