Authorizations H.R. 12441. The vote is on the Eckhardt motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill to increase fiscal 1979 authorization for the Toxic Substances Control Act from $16 million to $50 million. The bill is designed to prevent future unpleasant surprises by setting up a system for the pre-market testing of new and potentially toxic chemicals before they are used commercially. About 1,000 new and possibly dangerous chemicals come on the market every year. EPA now has the authority to test or require testing of these chemicals and go to court to restrict or ban their commercial use. The increased funds were to be used developing regulations for testing new chemicals, for controlling the hazards of existing chemicals and for setting up a new information system on chemicals now in the environment. The bill added 572 new staff to help implement the Act. The Carter Administration supported a funding increase of $46.5 million although it did not lobby specifically on this vote. Rejected 190-188. (Two thirds vote required under suspension of rules.) June 12, 1978. YES is the correct vote.