Shimkus Amendment on Yucca Passes

Press Release

Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, introduced an amendment that would increase funding for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by $10 million. The amendment was to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill (HR 5325) and would take the $10 million out of the Department of Energy Departmental Administration account for salaries and expenses.

"I am pleased that my amendment passed 326-81 with overwhelming bipartisan support. This continues to show House support for completion of the Yucca Mountain review process within NRC," Shimkus said. "After having spent 30 years and $15 billion, the NRC refuses to follow the law and complete the review process. This amendment removes the excuse that they do not have the funds to perform their task."

Through unilateral action, the NRC stopped licensing activities with regard to the Yucca Mountain high-level nuclear waste storage facility. A case is also pending before the federal appeals court regarding the NRC's actions.

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