Few issues put a bipartisan smile on the faces of lawmakers in Washington. But when it comes to nuclear energy, Republican Erik Paulsen and Democrats Tim Walz are singing praises of the Minnesota House in unison.

The two representatives issued a joint statement today applauding the Minnesota House of Representatives for passing a bill yesterday that lifts Minnesota's moratorium on building nuclear plants. The bill stipulates that the cost of building the plant cannot be put on the electrical customers until it is operational.

Paulsen and Walz have previously voiced bipartisan support for lifting the moratorium.

"Yesterday's amendment, while not perfect, is a step forward," the representatives wrote. "For decades, the debate over nuclear energy has been stalled, largely along ideological lines. Last night's vote illustrates that we are making progress in finding common ground, but we still have more work to do."