Major legislative effort to diminish environmental regulations. Effort not aligned with public opinion. Statutory proposals generally failed. Usual strategy is to provide little or no funding for specific programs, or to prohibit agency from spending money on specific programs. In essence, the goal is to slow, or halt, enforcement of laws.
Appropriations bills move swiftly, limiting opportunities for deliberation and debate.
Annual cycle yields numerous opportunities for policy change. More than 50 anti-environmental riders on seven budget bills introduced in the 104th Congress. Executive Response Clinton issues vetoes and veto threats. Public generally blames Republicans, and Clinton wins most of the battles. Partisan division on environmental policy.