Researchers estimate that radon -- an invisible, radioactive gas that can seep out of the ground and collect in homes and other structures -- is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, causing up to 30,000 deaths each year. Recognizing radon's dangers, Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Radon Awareness and Disclosure Act (H.R. 2448) which, among other provisions, required home sellers to inform prospective buyers of any known radon problem and provide them with critical information on radon hazards.

When H.R. 2448 came to the House floor, Rep. Michael Oxley (R-OH) offered an amendment to eliminate this important consumer protection requirement and replace it with a weaker provision.

On July 28, 1994, the House rejected the Oxley amendment by a vote of 193 - 227. NO is the pro-environment vote.

Later on the same day, the House passed the bill. As the Scorecard went to press, similar legislation introduced by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) was awaiting action in the Senate (S. 657).