On the recordFebruary 14, 2012
reserving the right to object, I would like to accommodate the President and these nominees. I think the chairman, the distinguished Senator from New Mexico, has made very good points about their qualifications. But I would be remiss if I did not rise in support of 1,200 jobs in Paducah, KY, which are threatened to be lost because the Department of Energy is refusing to address the situation. We have a company that has 1,200 jobs in Paducah, KY, which enriches uranium. For 50 years uranium has been accumulating, and it sits on the ground as a waste product. We could recycle this. It is a green project. It costs no taxes. In fact, it will actually bring back money to the Treasury. What I would like is help from the chairman as well as the President as well as Secretary Chu on this issue. I have written to Secretary Chu, and we have not heard back. This is very important to us. We are in the midst of a great recession, and 1,200 people are destined to lose their jobs. Once again, this does not cause any spending. It does not cost any taxes. Actually, if you would allow us to reenrich this uranium, it would bring money back to the Treasury. That is my reason for holding this. I would hope that we could find some reason and means to accommodate each other. Until that time, I would continue to object to these nominations. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard. The Senator from New Mexico.
