The so-called "unfunded mandates" bill, S. 1 would erect new procedural hurdles before Congress could pass legislation establishing national standards for public health and environmental protections, unless first providing full federal funding to states to implement the standards. Some programs such as those relating to national defense were exempted from these constraints. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) offered an amendment to add health protection for children, pregnant women, and the elderly to the list of programs exempted from the bill. Senator Dirk Kempthorne (R-ID), the sponsor of S. 1, moved to table (kill) the Boxer amendment on January 25, 1995. His motion passed 55 - 44. NO is the pro-environment vote.

President Clinton signed the bill into law on March 22, 1995.