Tony Thurmond: “I am pleased to add my support to this amendment which requires all parties to negotiate in good faith immediately with…”

“I am pleased to add my support to this amendment which requires all parties to negotiate in good faith immediately with officials of the State of Idaho in order to resolve the current dispute which has resulted in halting shipments of spent nuclear fuel from the Navy. I want to commend Senator Warner, Senator Kempthorne, and others for their diligent efforts in reaching this agreement. It is critical that the Navy be allowed to resume shipments of spent nuclear fuel immediately in order to enable the Navy to continue to defuel and refuel its ships. I hope that those involved in the negotiations on both sides of the issue will work in a spirit of cooperation which provides for a timely settlement because of the serious national security implications. I support this amendment, recognizing that it provides for further legislation in joint conference should it be necessary. I am confident, however, that negotiating officials, recognizing the importance of reaching an agreement as soon as possible will resolve this issue in the near future.”