John Shimkus

I would just remind him of the vote on the floor, 335 voting for Yucca, 118 Democrat, so it is just not a Republican fixation.

Part of the problem with the State of Nevada is they say show me the money.

I think this illusion that this consent-based approach is going to be panacea I am not sure is supported by the facts.

Well, no, it is not unlikely with the Blue Ribbon Commission and with the statements by this administration for States to have come forward and tried to organize their own political support with the Governor's office and their sitting…

I remain committed to ensuring that consumers get the repository that they have paid for and that the costs to the taxpayers are minimized.

So it was not successful as an----

Fifteen billion was invested in this repository program and got us within just a month of knowing whether we have a scientifically safe and sound location.

Shutting down the repository program, the administration did not elaborate on a technical or safety concern, merely that it was 'unworkable.'

It appears congressional action is needed, and I am willing to work with my colleagues to address this issue.

After over 30 years and $15 billion, the American people deserve to know the NRC's independent, objective conclusion.

DOE estimates the cost of starting over to be $5.6 billion for just the first 10 years.

In 2009, the administration unilaterally decided to cancel the Yucca Mountain program and sought to withdraw the license application.

In 2008, after decades of research, DOE filed an 8,700-page license application at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for permission to construct a repository at Yucca Mountain.

I would like to call this hearing to order.

Mr. Shimkus. The gentleman yields back the time.

The House Energy and Water appropriation bill did clarify that the Nuclear Waste Fund is only to be used for its intended purpose: Yucca Mountain.

I firmly believe the public deserves to know the truth about Yucca Mountain.

The agency did not cite Section 302(d) regarding the use of the Nuclear Waste Fund.

The NRC should continue its work as an independent safety regulator and issue a decision on whether or not Yucca Mountain would be a safe repository.

Today, we review the 'Department of Energy's Strategy for the Management and Disposal of Used Nuclear Fuel and High-level Radioactive Waste.'

I want to thank my colleague for working with us and making some changes that we thought were appropriate. We agree with my colleague from Virginia that States should identify what their emergency response procedures are in the…

To my colleague from California, we're waiting for a few Members. I'm not sure they are going to get here. I'm willing to have you close, and then I'll close after you're finished. I reserve the balance of my time.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management wrote a letter in support of this bill and its safety and protection. Now I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent).

I want to thank my colleague from Texas, who has helped us move the bill forward. I would remind my colleagues that the President has not issued a veto signal on this piece of legislation. Mr. Chairman, I now yield 2 minutes to my friend…

Let me remind my colleagues of some of the special interests: United Mine Workers of America, Building and Construction Trades, and the Transportation Workers of America. I yield 2 minutes to the chairman of the full committee, the…