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Wilson Works to Uphold South Carolina’s Essential 
Resources and A Strong National Defense

May 1, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2028, the FY16 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. This legislation is important to South Carolina, as it will provide resources for the Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken and Barnwell counties.

"This year's Energy and Water Appropriations bill strengthens our energy security and takes crucial steps toward American energy independence. While directly benefitting South Carolina, this bill helps our nation invest in an all-of-the-above energy plan and maintain a strong national defense while making necessary cuts to achieve fiscal responsibility.

"As amendments to the bill were debated, I was grateful I was able to defend and protect necessary resources at SRS to enable the continuation of its essential missions. I was also pleased the bill supports construction of the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility (MOX) at SRS to promote conversion of weapons grade plutonium into green fuel and honor our international nonproliferation agreements.

"For far too long, Washington's budget battles have spilled into the homes of dedicated Site workers because the Administration has prioritized unnecessary spending over our national security needs. Today's bill helps provide the consistency that the people of Aiken and Barnwell counties deserve. Additionally, I was pleased that funding was included for the Charleston Harbor deepening, which is essential to the Palmetto State.

"With the House Armed Services Committee's passage of the NDAA and the House passage of this year's Energy and Water Appropriations bill this week, I was grateful to support both authorizing and appropriating funds to provide for a strong national defense and uphold the important environmental cleanup missions at SRS."