Shelley Berkley: “the intense debate today makes it clear that the House should not act on this flawed legislation, but should further…”

“the intense debate today makes it clear that the House should not act on this flawed legislation, but should further consider it in committee. A great many amendments have been drafted by Members of the House who agree that S. 1287 is a dangerous and irresponsible approach to dealing with our greatest environmental challenge, nuclear waste. But we are operating under a closed rule, and no amendments were considered. In view of this rule, our only reasonable option is to commit this bill to the Committee on Commerce so that all issues may be fully addressed. Here are some of the issues that must be addressed before any legislation can be passed by this body: Improving the testing of nuclear shipping containers, which are the only, only, line of defense against nuclear contamination on shipping routes in 43 States. Shipping routes that pass through cities and towns with a combined population of over 50 million people. Requiring consultation with State and local governments on public safety issues prior to shipping. Beefing up our emergency response capabilities to deal with radiation releases caused by shipping accidents, including funding for emergency response teams. With well over 100,000 rail and highway shipments looming, the Department of Energy safety experts tell us accidents will happen, it is a mathematical certainty; yet S. 1287 fails to address this awful reality. Prohibiting transportation in school zones.”