©2026 League of Conservation Voters
1980 Scorecard Vote
280
127
23
Issues
H.R. 4788. This is the vote on the final passage of the Water Resources Development Act, also known as the Rivers and Harbors bill. It authorized 50 new water projects and price increases for 75 existing water projects. Many of these projects would destroy free flowing rivers, wetlands, and rich farmland for the sake of very questionable benefits. Every two years Congress engages in an orgy of logrolling and pork barrel spending as it passed legislation to fund the dam and canal building of the Army Corps of Engineers. The fight was especially critical because President Carter had successfully vetoed the bloated appropriations bills sent to him by the previous Congress. Rep. Bob Edgar had led a valiant effort to scale down the bill, but failed. Projects were authorized in the districts of over 300 House Members, including several which had never even been studied by the Corps which was to build them. The National Taxpayers Union noted that “it is ironic that some of the bill’s staunchest support comes form those who have continually advocated cutting government spending and balancing the budget.” Passed 283-127. February 5, 1980. NO is the correct vote.
©2026 League of Conservation Voters