Sam Gibbons: “let us talk baseball, for once. America's favorite pastime is upon us here in Washington, D.C. and the rich nuclear…”

“let us talk baseball, for once. America's favorite pastime is upon us here in Washington, D.C. and the rich nuclear utility industry is striking out. Today, they are simply a backstop against common sense. It seems that Secretary Richardson has pitched a proposal to store nuclear waste safely on site until a permanent storage area can be determined to be suitable. A great idea. To no one's surprise, the nuclear industry has balked at the plan, because it would be paid for, get this, with their money, heaven forbid, and would avoid the potentially dangerous task of shipping nuclear waste across America. Here was a chance for all America to hit a home run, but once again, it seems the nuclear industry is holding out for a bigger contract just so they can get paid and put money in their fat pockets. Mr. Speaker, the nuclear industry fat cats are trying to build an expensive, taxpayer-paid lobbyist expansion team. Remember, the ballfield is in your district, the team is your constituents, and it is your responsibility to oppose H.R. 45 so we can win one for all America.”