Wilson Amendment to De-Link U.S. / Russia MOX Programs Passes Armed Services Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Emily Lawrimore
202-225-2452 (W)
202-468-3258 (C)

May 3, 2006

Wilson Amendment to De-Link U.S. / Russia MOX Programs Passes Armed Services Committee

Amendment Also Restores $34.7 Million for MOX Facility at SRS

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), announced that the Committee approved his amendment to de-link the United States and Russia mixed oxide (MOX) programs. His amendment, which also restores $34.7 million for the construction of the MOX fuel fabrication plant at the Savannah River Site (SRS), will be included in the FY 2007 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5122).

“Members of the South Carolina and Georgia delegations have worked together for years to ensure that a MOX facility will be constructed at the Savannah River Site. As Representatives of the only proposed MOX site in the country, we are dedicated to moving forward with our long-standing commitment to dispose of weapons-grade plutonium and implement a safe and timely clean up of America’s Cold War sites.

“Congress believes that the almost six year old agreement between the United States and Russia is more than simply words on paper. By separating the U.S. and Russia MOX programs, my amendment ensures that the pace of the Russia MOX program will not dictate the progress of the U.S. MOX program. Russia’s indecisiveness should not prohibit America from fulfilling its agreement. In addition to ensuring the creation of hundreds of South Carolina jobs, this amendment helps guarantee that our state will not become the permanent resting place for tons of plutonium.

“The passage of this amendment also restores $34.7 million in funding for the construction of the MOX facility at SRS. I am committed to working with House Appropriators and my colleagues on the Senate side to restore the remaining MOX funding.

“As I celebrate this significant victory for South Carolina and the Savannah River Site, I would like to express my sincere appreciatition to Chairman Everett and his capable staff for their assistance in securing the passage of this measure.”

####