Amendments to the Price Anderson Act (H.R. 8631). The vote is on the Bingham amendment to remove a $560 million limit on the liability of the nuclear power industry for damages resulting from a nuclear accident. The limit would prevent citizens from suing once the overall damages exceed this amount, although studies show that a really serious nuclear accident could cost billions. Nuclear proponents claimed that unlimited liability would make it harder to borrow money and drive small contractors out of the nuclear industry. Environmentalists maintain that low liability limits will insulate the nuclear industry from the consequences of its actions and reduce its motivation to act with caution. They also point out that other high risk industries must carry their own private insurance. If nuclear power is as safe as its proponents claim, why can't the nuclear industry do the same? If people must accept the human risks of nuclear energy, why can't the utilities accept the financial risk? The President opposed the amendment. Rejected 176-217. December 8, 1975. "YES" is the correct vote.