Information about the vote from special interest groups and other information providers in our Report Cards:
National Taxpayers Union
h2017-588.
h2017-588.
League of Conservation Voters
DELAYING THE RESOLUTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL COURT CASES.
Representative Doug Collins (R-GA) sponsored H.R. 469, the Congressional Article I Powers Strengthening Act, which would weaken environmental protections by undermining the federal rulemaking process and citizen enforcement of federal laws. This legislation prescribes a host of burdensome and sometimes ambiguous steps for courts and parties that would favor continued litigation over settlement. This bill would delay and obstruct the resolution of environmental protection cases before federal courts. The House approved H.R. 469. The Senate took no action on this legislation.
Citizens Against Government Waste
Consent Decrees Notice – Passage.
Passage of the bill, as amended, that would require the federal government to provide advance public notice when it plans to enter into discussions regarding consent decrees and would codify and expand certain disclosure practices with regard to the Treasury Department's Judgment Fund payments. It would also allow counsel for the House of Representatives to intervene or appear as amicus curiae in any federal, state or local court. It would establish a new reporting deadline for the attorney general to inform Congress whether the Justice Department will contest, or refrain from defending, the constitutionality of a provision of federal law in court.
The National Association of Manufacturers
HR469 Sunshine for Regulations and Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act.
Vote on H.R. 469, Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act. H.R. 469 would enhance the regulatory process by increasing public participation in shaping rules before they are proposed. The bill would require agencies to provide timely and more relevant information to the public of lawsuits attempting to force regulatory action and to publish proposed consent decrees or regulatory settlements. Importantly, H.R. 469 would require agencies to consider public comments prior to entry of consent decrees or settlement agreements with the court. H.R. 469 would provide necessary transparency to the rulemaking process and preserve the ability of the public to engage with their government.