House rejects Dem amendments to GOP deregulation bill

The House voted down five Democratic amendments to a bill aimed at limiting major regulations, and was set to debate up to 20 more mostly Democratic amendments Wednesday evening.

The bill, H.R. 4078, would prevent the government from issuing any major rules until the unemployment rate falls to 6 percent, and would also block rules from a lame duck President between the election and January 20.

Many of the 25 amendments up for consideration Wednesday seek to exempt certain regulations from the bill. But on the strength of Republican opposition, the first five were defeated in roll call votes:

• Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.), to provide an exception to the underlying legislation, permitting agencies to make regulatory actions intended to ensure safe drinking water. Failed 188-231.

• Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), to exempt regulatory actions pertaining to privacy from Title I of the bill and exempts midnight rules pertaining to privacy from Title II of the bill. The amendment would also exempt consent decrees and settlement agreements in an action to compel agency action pertaining to privacy from Title III of the bill. Failed 159-259.

• Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), to exempt from the provisions of the bill any significant regulatory action specifically aimed at limiting oil speculation. Failed 173-245.

• Peter Welch (D-Vt.), to provide an exception from the bill for regulations which are intended to promote energy efficiency. Failed 174-242.

• Ed Markey (D-Mass.), to exempt from the bill regulations protecting the public from extreme weather, including drought, flooding and catastrophic wildfire. Failed 177-240.