Murkowski to unveil modified version of nuke waste bill

ut insisted that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission also should have a role. also must mollify state governments, which fear that the bill would force them to continue to house the highly radioactive waste for years to come. In a brief interview Tuesday, Murkowski said he believes the changes will be enough to secure a veto-proof majority. "We're looking pretty good," he said. Added S, "I think when the votes come in, it will be overwhelming" in favor of the bill. But asked if Republicans have enough votes to override an expected veto, Lott responded, "It will be close." Democrats, meanwhile, are scrambling to ensure that they have enough votes to block a veto override attempt for the third time in the last three sessions of Congress. On Monday, Nevada's Democratic Sens. Richard Bryan and Harry Reid sent a "Dear Colleague" designed to solidify opposition to the bill. Allowing the NRC to set the radiation standards, they wrote, would give the delicate task to "an agency with virtually no experience either in protecting civilian populations from health risks or in determining the impact of radiation on natural resources such as groundwater." Aides to the Nevada Democrats said they have the votes to preserve a veto by President Clinton. - By Brody Mullins