Political Quotes

“I certainly urge the two leaders to proceed and recognize the obligation we have to bring this matter to a vote. It would be a grave reflection on the Senate to not take up this matter prior to July 27. The House has done its work and spoken with an overwhelming vote in support of proceeding with Yucca. To allow this matter simply to die through inaction is a grave reflection on what was intended to be a balanced procedure, giving the Governor of the State of Nevada an opportunity to present the opinion of the State of Nevada, yet allowing for both the House and Senate to vote on the issue. I encourage the two leaders to give us the assurance that we would have an up-or-down vote, that it would simply not be allowed to die in the course of events that clearly are going to take a great deal of time and effort as we proceed with the calendar. July 27 is the drop dead date for the procedure, as the minority leader indicated. He will be forced to vote on the motion to proceed followed by 10 hours of debate and then the final disposition. I remind my colleagues of the fiscal responsibility we have in light of the realization that the Federal Government entered into a contract, a contract with the utility companies that develop nuclear power in this country, to take that waste in 1998. The ratepayers have paid in the area of $16 billion to $17 billion to the Federal Government.”