Political Quotes

“I am voting in the negative. I appreciate the fact that we need a Secretary of Energy immediately because of the dire energy crisis in the State of California. My objection to Secretary designee Abraham's nomination is based on the troubling record Mr. Abraham has established on nuclear waste. This objection is based on a difference of opinion over this matter. Indeed, I had the honor of serving in this body with Spencer Abraham in his capacity as a Senator from Michigan. I know him to be a decent and honorable man who served with distinction. As a Senator from Michigan, however, he voted repeatedly to ship nuclear waste to the State of Nevada despite the overwhelming evidence that such a move was being made without regard for sound science and public health and safety. He voted to ship nuclear waste to Nevada notwithstanding the fact that there is no safe route for the transportation of high level nuclear waste through the states and cities and towns of America. He supported an industry backed bill that would have expedited delivery of nuclear waste to Nevada on an 'interim' basis. He even supported overriding President Clinton's veto of a bill which would have greatly weakened the EPA's role in establishing the appropriate radiation standards at Yucca Mountain.”