The energy plan as currently written provides a $10 million subsidy over three years to promote an experimental technology in which uranium is mined from groundwater. Groundwater, however, is the only reliable source of water for tens of thousands of Navajo Indians who reside near uranium mines where the technology would be employed. Many Navajo men worked in uranium mines from the 1940's to the 1970's and already face alarming rates of cancer as a result; using groundwater to extract uranium may adversely affect Navajo Indians even further. During debate on the energy legislation, Congressman Udall (D-NM) proposed an amendment to eliminate funding for the uranium-extraction technology. Progressives supported Udall's effort to preserve the groundwater from contamination as a way to protect the health of Navajo Indians. Udall's amendment failed to garner majority support and was defeated on a 193-231 vote.