Waxman In, Dingell Out

As Chair of Energy and Commerce.

One of the better discussions of the rivalry between Dingell and Waxman (often waged over cars and clean air requirements) is Marzotto, Burnor, and Bonham’s The Evolution of Public Policy: Cars and the Environment (2000, Lynne Rienner), who describe Waxman as Dingell’s “nemesis”.

But by far the best way to see Dingell and his rivalries is to watch “An Act of Congress”, the documentary that describes the markup of the 1977 CAA. As one review describes it:

The legislative conflict is personified in the film by John Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan, and Paul Rogers, a Democrat from Florida. Dingell represents Dearborn and other areas surrounding Detroit. His is a working class district in which the auto industry and the United Automobile Workers of America are important. Because of his concern for the economic implications of the Clean Air Act upon his constituents, Dingell wants a bill with less strict emission standards phased in over a longer period of time. Rogers’ district, on the other hand, includes West Palm Beach, a well-to-do area in which tourism and agriculture are the principal industries. Rogers is concerned with the health implications of the bill and favors strong emission controls and a strict timetable for compliance by the auto industry.

The film begins with the preparation for and hearing by the Health and Environment Subcommittee of the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee of the House of Representatives. Rogers chairs the subcommittee and, to no one’s surprise, is able to write into the bill strong controls and strict timetables. Dingell, however, is a senior member of the full Committee. When the bill is reported to the full membership of the Commerce Committee, Dingell attempts to amend the provisions governing emission standards and the timetable for compliance. He fails on a 21-to-21 tie vote. The personal interaction of Rogers and Dingell with other committee members, their staffs, and lobbyists is one of the highlights of the film.