ERDA Appropriations (HR 7553). The vote is on the Kennedy amendment to reduce the appropriations for the Barnwell nuclear reprocessing plant from $14 million to $1 million. Senator Hollings had asked for the $14 million to do studies and to keep the people at Barnwell employed. Environmentalists oppose federal funding for Barnwell (now a private facility) because this would facilitate federal takeover to use the plant for reprocessing nuclear fuels and as a massive dumping ground for nuclear wastes. Barnwell is not a good spot for nuclear waste storage because it could contaminate the aquifers under the Savannah River. The Administration initially supported Kennedy but then switched its support to Hollings at the last minute. Environmentalists supported Kennedy. Rejected 22-69: July 11, 1977. Yes is the correct vote.