In 1997, former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson voted yes to approve a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain. A “yes” vote authorized the president to use his sole and unreviewable discretion to determine the suitability of the site. Since then, Thompson has not commented on his support of the Yucca Mountain project. He has said that he has always been an advocate of nuclear power. Thompson worked for more than 20 years as a lobbyist. During this time, he lobbied for an experimental reactor. The project to build the reactor was canceled after the government had spent $1.7 billion.

Thompson’s vote: Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1997 (Also known as the “Screw Nevada Bill”); Bill S. 104 ; vote number 1997-42 on Apr 15, 1997

— Las Vegas Sun new media intern April Corbin compiled this report.