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Research, politics, and the dynamics of policy development: A case study of Motor Carrier regulatory reform

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Abstract

This article presents a case study of the role of research in securing passage of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-296). It highlights the role of research in shaping policymakers' views on the benefits of reduced federal economic regulation of the industry, assesses how political considerations influenced the Department of Transportation's research program, and explores the deficiencies and limitations of the Department's research program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, USA

    Karen Borlaug Phillips

  2. U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Secretary, 1245 Portner Road, 22314, Alexandria, VA, USA

    Laurence T. Phillips

Authors
  1. Karen Borlaug Phillips
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  2. Laurence T. Phillips
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Additional information

The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the U.S. Senate or the Department of Transportation. We wish to express our appreciation to Leslie Baldwin and Dennis Marvich for their perceptive comments on an earlier draft of this article.

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Phillips, K.B., Phillips, L.T. Research, politics, and the dynamics of policy development: A case study of Motor Carrier regulatory reform. Policy Sci 17, 367–384 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00138401

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