George Voinovich: “I concur with both of my colleagues, Senators Inhofe and Domenici, that prompt, retroactive renewal of the…”

“I concur with both of my colleagues, Senators Inhofe and Domenici, that prompt, retroactive renewal of the Price-Anderson program is in the best interest of the Nation. We need to do whatever we can to promote a safe and efficient nuclear energy industry and encourage the development of new nuclear reactors. Reauthorizing the Price-Anderson Act is a major step in that direction. Almost a year before the program was to expire, on August 3, 2001, I introduced S. 1360 and shortly thereafter S. 1591 to reauthorize the Act. During consideration of the Energy bill, I then proposed an amendment that included the provisions of my bills. While my colleagues recognized the importance of the amendment and passed it by a vote of 78-21, the Energy bill was ultimately not considered. Thus, I recently reintroduced my bill from last Congress as S. 156. I am pleased that this matter is finally being handled in the Omnibus Appropriations bill with the inclusion of the House and Senate compromise language of my amendment.”