Sponsored by Rep. Gary Condit (D-CA), H.R. 3534, the Mandates Information Act, creates new opportunities for Members of Congress to kill important health and safety protections without directly voting against them. By establishing new procedural hurdles against considering bills that impose certain costs on the private sector, H.R. 3534 creates an opportunity to impede important legislation, such as the proposal to expand the public's right to know about toxics in their communities or efforts to address polluted runoff into our lakes and rivers, which has contributed to devastating pfiesteria outbreaks in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.
Instead of elevating cost, the environmental community believes the emphasis should be on protection. During consideration of H.R. 3534, LCV supported Rep. Henry Waxman's (D-CA) "Defense of the Environment" amendment to put in place new safeguards requiring an open debate and an independent vote on the House floor on legislative efforts to weaken or rollback America's environmental protections. The Waxman amendment was defeated 190 - 221. YES was the pro-environment vote on this amendment.
On May 19, 1998 H.R. 3534 passed the House 279 - 132. NO was the pro-environment vote.
West Virginia's Representatives, Rahall, Wise and Mollohan made a complete sweep for the environment by all voting for the pro-environmental position on both of the above votes. LCV encourages you to call or write your representative about their vote on this issue, thanking them for supporting the environmental positions.
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