Yucca update: parliamentary procedure key to win
By law, the resolution must be considered by July 25. While the resolution was reported favorably out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee two weeks ago, there is no clear strategy for bringing the bill to the full Senate for consideration. The standard process is for the Majority Leader to move legislation to the floor. In this case, the Majority Leader, Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD), has indicated he opposes the Yucca siting and will not schedule the legislation for full Senate consideration.
Therefore, another Senator, likely a Republican, will have to offer a motion to proceed to consideration of S. J. Res. 87. Should this happen, Sen. Daschle will likely call for a vote opposing the motion to proceed to the resolution. A vote to proceed will require 51 Senators voting in favor for S. J. Res. 87 to be considered. If the motion receives the 51-vote majority the resolution will be considered and voted on without the opportunity for amendment. If the motion to proceed does not receive 51 votes, the resolution does not come up and the veto by Nevada Governor Guinn will stand.
Yucca Mountain opponents are hoping that enough Senators will vote against the motion as it would break with tradition and precedent by allowing a Senator rather than the Majority Leader compel legislation to the floor. It is predicted that the legislation will attempt to come to the floor the week of July 8.
What can ANS members do?
It continues to be important for U.S. Senators to hear from nuclear professionals on the need for allowing the nuclear waste repository to proceed to the licensing phase. If you are interested in contacting your respective senators, please review the Capitol Connection link in the Members section of the ANS website. You also can let them know you oppose any efforts to stop the resolution from being considered in the U.S. Senate.
