Sam Gibbons: “I have been in this well many times to discuss the facts surrounding the nuclear waste debate. I have largely…”

“I have been in this well many times to discuss the facts surrounding the nuclear waste debate. I have largely concentrated on the issues of transporting nuclear waste across this Nation's highways and rail system. Over and over I have stressed that there are very real safety issues that must be addressed and resolved before we as legislators mandate a life-threatening policy on the American people who live in our districts. To further illustrate my point, Mr. Speaker, I would like to share a recent mishap. On May 22 of this year an unexpected pressure buildup forced the top off a large metal shipping container at the U.S. DOE's Fernauld site near Cincinnati, OH. The container held five 55-gallon drums of radioactive waste. This happened to a container that was a stationary container, not in the transport arena. If these caps are this unsafe, how can we pass a bill that would endanger the lives of every citizen in this country? I urge Members not to waste their vote on H.R. 1270.”