Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Furthering International Nuclear Safety Act of 2011 to enhance the implementation of the Convention on Nuclear Safety by taking a more systematic approach to improving civilian nuclear power safety. This legislation is cosponsored by Senator Carper, and Representative Fortenberry is introducing a House companion bill. The still unfolding nuclear emergency in Japan serves as a powerful reminder that the United States as a Nation, and as an influential member of the international community, must continually seek methods to enhance the safety posture of nuclear facilities worldwide. This year, April 26 will provide us with another sobering reminder: the 26th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine. The Chernobyl disaster was the worst nuclear power accident in history and made clear the need for international nuclear safety norms. According to a report commissioned by United Nations agencies, millions of people were exposed to high doses of radiation, and approximately 350,000 people were displaced from their homes. The countries most directly affected by the disaster suffered estimated economic damages on the order of hundreds of billions of dollars, while thousands of square miles of agricultural and forest lands were removed from service. In the aftermath of this accident, over 50 countries, led by the United States, worked together to develop the Convention on Nuclear Safety.…”