Political Quotes

“I am here today to begin the discussion on the 2002 energy and water appropriations bill. I want to recognize the hard work of professional staff members on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, both the majority and the minority, and the hard work of the Members of this body as we address this difficult and often contentious issue associated with nuclear waste and the issue at hand, which is a substantial reduction in funding for the nuclear waste program. We have seen lots of good projects funded in this legislation, the energy and water appropriations bill: Flood control, reclamation projects, Indian water settlements such as Animas and Rocky Boys and others. But we also have a very significant obligation at this time, and that is the matter of disposing of our high-level nuclear waste that is generated as a consequence of the operation of nuclear powerplants that contribute about 20 percent of the power generated for electricity in the United States. I also want to recognize Senator Domenici for his tireless efforts in this area.”