The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today approved the nomination of Energy Secretary-designate Bill Richardson. The vote was 18-0, with Sens. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, and Rod Grams, R-Minn., voting present.
Both Grams and Craig said they have concerns the Clinton administration will not allow Richardson to negotiate on nuclear waste. Craig has said he will put a hold on Richardson's nomination on the floor until the White House provides written assurance to Congress that Richardson can negotiate on the nuclear waste issue.
However, at today's confirmation hearing, Craig relented a bit, reportedly saying he would delay placing the hold until he has the chance to read a letter the White House reportedly will send today to Richardson on the nuclear waste issue. A spokesman for the committee said the scope of that letter is unclear.
NEXT STORY: Mourners fill Capitol Rotunda for slain officers