Friday, July 18, 2003 | 11:32 a.m.
WASHINGTON -- Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., was in Las Vegas this week because her mother, Estelle Auslander, 74, is ailing. It's unknown exactly when Berkley will return to work in Washington, spokesman David Cherry said.
The House held several votes this week, including votes on budget bills for the Interior Department, Agriculture Department and for energy and water projects. The energy and water project bill, under discussion today, included what would be a record $765 million Yucca Mountain budget for the next fiscal year.
Berkley sent two "Dear Colleague" letters to House members this week, urging them to reject funding for Yucca Mountain and drawing attention to what she said were flaws in the project.
"As the House debates funding for the Nuclear Waste Program, I urge you to consider the dangers of transporting nuclear waste through your states and communities," Berkley wrote.
Rep. Peter Visclosky, D-Ind., during a House floor speech, noted that Berkley had long been a passionate opponent of Yucca Mountain and continued to be, even in her absence. So did Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev.
"Shelley's done a tremendous job and I'm sorry she couldn't be here," Porter said.
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