Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 5, 1995                   TAG: 9503080059
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

VIRGINIA VOTE

The Senate on Thursday failed to pass, 65-35, a proposed amendment to the Constitution that would have required a balanced federal budget by 2002. The plan required 67 votes for passage. Supporters argued that only a constitutional amendment would give members of Congress the discipline to make tough spending cuts. Opponents said the amendment was a gimmick that would corrupt the Constitution. A ``yes'' vote favors approving the balanced-budget amendment.

Sen. Charles Robb, Democrat...Y

Sen. John Warner, Republican...Y

House

Federal regulation freeze

The House on Friday voted 276-146 to approve the Regulatory Transition Act of 1995, which would freeze most new federal regulations for the rest of the year. Supporters argue that federal overregulation is crippling the private sector, and a moratorium is needed to let Congress review the entire process of federal rule-making. Supporters dismissed the concerns of critics that the bill would delay rules needed to protect the health and safety of the public. A ``yes'' vote favors a moratorium on federal rulemaking.

Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon N

Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke Y

Rep. L.F. Payne, D-Nelson County Y

Cost-benefit analysis

The House on Tuesday voted 286-141 to approve a bill requiring new health, safety and environmental regulations to undergo extensive cost-benefit analyses. Under the measure, economic costs could outweigh health risks in determining whether new regulations should be issued. Bill supporters said the bill is needed to rein in agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, that they say have become overzealous in regulating the private sector. Opponents said the legislation would undermine laws needed to protect public health.

Boucher N

Goodlatte Y

Payne Y

Challenge to regulations

The House on Wednesday voted 415-15 for a bill that would make it easier for businesses and citizens to challenge federal regulations. The bill would require agencies to detail the potential impacts of regulations on the private sector. Agencies also would have to undertake cost-benefit analyses for regulations that could cost the private sector more than $50 million. The bill also would give small businesses up to one year to challenge a federal regulation in court. Proponents said the measure is needed to help businesses and citizens challenge regulations. Critics charged that the bill would encourage frivolous lawsuits. A ``yes'' vote favors making it easier to challenge regulations.

Boucher Y

Goodlatte Y

Payne Y

- States News Service