CAFE 'freeze' debate of 1999

Many members of Congress recognize the adverse effects of higher CAFE standards on consumer choice and safety, and have worked hard to continue the protective "freeze". In June 1999, the House passed its version of the DOT budget bill (H.R. 2084), which renews the freeze for another year.

But despite the growing evidence, some members of Congress continue to support CAFE increases, apparently on the mistaken belief that higher gas mileage would reduce air pollution. In May 1999, nearly one-third of the U.S. Senate signed a letter expressing support for higher CAFE standards.

In July, Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Slade Gorton (R-WA) and Richard Bryan (D-NV) unveiled a plan -- inaccurately labeled as a "clean car resolution" -- urging Senate negotiators on the DOT budget to kill the House-passed freeze. That plan, if successful, would have let DOT impose new CAFE restrictions, a big concern for the millions of American motorists who rely on light trucks for family and business travel needs

Other members of the Senate announced their commitment to choice and safety. In May, 36 pro-consumer Senators signed a letter expressing their support for the freeze. In June, vehicle user groups and the UAW also wrote letters to the Senate on behalf of the freeze, citing the benefits for both consumer choice and American jobs.

That set the stage for a CAFE vote in the Senate on September 15, as the Senate took up the DOT spending bill. The three Senators offered their resolution, trying to raise CAFE -- but it was rejected 55-40, thanks in large part to thousands of consumers and user groups who wrote to their Senators in support of the freeze.

In late September, House-Senate conferees on the DOT bill agreed to keep the CAFE freeze in place for another year. Several anti-vehicle groups lobbied to have the whole DOT budget vetoed, but that effort failed. The final DOT package (H.R. 2084) was approved by the House on Oct. 1, by the Senate on Oct. 4, and was signed by the President on Oct. 9, even though the White House had opposed the freeze provision. That extends the freeze until Sept. 30, 2000 -- which will prevent DOT from imposing higher CAFE through Model Year 2002.

Find out what the Senate is saying . . . Read the letter signed by 36 Senators who support the freeze to help protect consumer choice Analyze the letter from 31 Senators who want to raise CAFE standards Read Sen. Abraham's floor speech on how higher CAFE standards hurt workers and consumers Check the roll-call vote to find out how your Senators voted. . . . and what others are saying . . . Read the United Auto Workers letter to the Senate Find out what vehicle user groups told the Senate Read why the American Farm Bureau Federation is concerned about higher CAFE . . . and what's at risk in the debate . . . The continued availability of useful light truck models and features to meet individual needs The added safety protection that larger vehicles provide The new USA Today analysis of lives lost due to CAFE Newspaper editorials on CAFE and safety. . . . then have your say Send a message to your Senators.

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This page last updated: 5/7/00