Dems blast appropriations riders, hint at shutdown

The White House yesterday joined congressional Democrats in promising to block numerous spending bills that include what they say are "anti-environmental" riders-"even if it means risking a government shutdown."

At issue are more than 50 provisions in the Interior, VA-HUD and other appropriations bills that would change environmental policy "while bypassing the normal legislative process."

"In a new signal of the Clinton administration's willingness to stand firm on the issue," VP Al Gore issued a statement warning Republican leaders to send the White House "clean bills."

In a "coordinated response," more than 140 Democratic lawmakers signed a letter to Pres. Clinton urging him to veto the bills (Joby Warrick, Washington Post, 9/30). And during a Hill press conference attended by White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Katie McGinty, Democratic lawmakers and enviro group leaders said they had enough votes to block any attempt to override a presidential veto.

Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) warned that unless the riders are stripped from the bills, "we'll be ... facing a veto, gridlock and a political shutdown" (Joby Warrick, Washington Post, 9/30). And National Parks and Conservation Assn. Pres. Tom Kiernan said a survey by the group showed the public "clearly" does not want Congress to strip away park protections through riders.

But Republicans said their critics were being "hypocritical" because they denounce some riders while remaining silent on others. Many environmental protections, such as the current federal ban on offshore drilling, have been ensured through riders, they said (Warrick, Washington Post).