ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, April 13, 1997 TAG: 9704140076
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
Senate
Nuclear waste
The Senate on Thursday rejected 72-24 an amendment that would have required the written permission of governors before nuclear waste could be transported across state lines en route to a centralized storage site in Nevada. Supporters said that states' rights should not be sacrificed in the name of federal expediency and that transporting nuclear waste raised grave safety concerns. Opponents dismissed the amendment as an attempt by Nevada lawmakers to keep nuclear waste out of their state. They argued that the remote location of a storage facility in Nevada is the most suitable in the country to address radioactive waste that has been building up in reactors in 41 states. A ``yes'' vote favors the amendment.
Charles Robb, DemocratY
John Warner, RepublicanY
House
Food stamps
The House on Tuesday unanimously approved a bill that would prevent households from collecting food stamps for family members who are serving time in federal, state or county prisons. The bill also requires states to come up with a system to ensure that residents do not collect food stamps from more than one jurisdiction. Supporters of the bill said the measure would cut down on fraud and save taxpayers money.
Rick Boucher (D-Abingdon)Y
Virgil Goode (D-Rocky Mount)Y
Bob Goodlatte (R-Roanoke)Y
Assisted suicide
The House on Thursday voted 398-16 to bar federal funding for physician-assisted suicides. Opponents called the bill a waste of time since assisted suicides are already illegal. Supporters said the measure would head off any court decision to legalize assisted suicide and would ensure that Medicare, Medicaid and other federal funds would not be used to pay for the practice. The bill still requires action by the Senate.
BoucherY
GoodeY
GoodlatteY
- States News Service
LENGTH: Medium: 56 linesby CNB