Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I want to thank you for restoring a portion of the administration's proposed cut to the Richland Operations Office at Hanford in my district. I appreciate your willingness to work with me on funding, and I know the provisions on Yucca Mountain and MOX that are in this bill are also key to the Hanford cleanup success. Madam Chair, the Richland Operations Office is responsible for many critical cleanup projects and legal commitments, and progress there has largely been a success. This represents a new model for cleanup. And it has been successful. It is nearing completion and will save taxpayers $250 million. I am encouraged that the $235 million in this bill provided for cleanup for the River Corridor will focus on the 300 Area milestones under the River Corridor Closure Contract. As the appropriations process continues, I look forward to working with you to ensure appropriate restoration for Richland, given the budget constraints that we have. Mr. Chairman, this is my last Energy and Water bill, yet I am confident that Hanford has a friend and an advocate in your leadership. When it comes to the other project at Hanford, the Office of River Protection, there are a number of challenges. Among other things, I am hopeful that DOE and the State of Washington will reach an agreement on an achievable path forward for WTP.”