©2025 League of Conservation Voters
1974 Scorecard Vote
51
33
16
Amendments to the Freedom of Information Act (H.R. 12471). The vote is on the Hart amendment to limit the grounds under which records compiled for law enforcement purposes could be withheld from the public. The amendment would shift the burden of proof from citizens to the government, to show that information sought would directly impair enforcement proceedings or deprive a person of basic constitutional rights. Under present law, for example, the Environmental Protection Agency will give polluters information about their violation of the Clean Air Act, but keep it secret from the public until after they have already reached a compromise agreement with the industry. The amendment will enable citizens to better participate in enforcement actions in many federal pollution laws. The Nixon Administration took no position on the amendment. Adopted 51-33. May 30, 1974. YES is the correct vote.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters