Wilson, Barrett, Norwood Work To Restore Funding for MOX Facility at SRS

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

May 12, 2006

Wilson, Barrett, Norwood Work To Restore Funding for MOX Facility at SRS

Yesterday, members of the House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee issued a decision to eliminate all funding for the Mixed Oxide (MOX) program at the Savannah River Site (SRS). Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC-03), and Congressman Charlie Norwood (GA-09) announced their commitment to restoring this critical funding:

“Yesterday, 396 members of the House of Representatives voted for legislation which de-links the U.S./Russia MOX programs and authorizes funding for a MOX facility at the Savannah River Site,” said Congressman Joe Wilson. “This clear signal of bipartisan support demonstrates Congress’ commitment to moving forward with our nuclear responsibilities. Although I am discouraged by the Energy and Water Subcommittee’s recent decision, I am confident that this issue is far from over. My colleagues and I will continue to remind House Appropriators how crucial this mission is to our country and the state of South Carolina.”

“There is no doubt that I am disappointed that the Appropriations subcommittee on Energy and Water decided not to fund the MOX program. While I will continue to work with Chairman Hobson to resolve concerns over funding levels for future missions at the Savannah River Site, we clearly have fundamental differences on some of the broad policy issues which affect current and future projects at the Site,” said Congressman Gresham Barrett. “MOX is too important to the nation and the world, de-linking with Russia and moving forward in a unilateral fashion makes good sense. I know the folks back home are frustrated and I understand why, but we are at the beginning of the appropriations process and I am hopeful by working with our Senators when the process is finalized there will be adequate funding to ensure the MOX program becomes reality.”

“This was a wrong decision by the Subcommittee as evidenced by the overwhelming support of the entire House in this week’s Defense Authorization approval. We now have the ability to move MOX fuel at SRS forward without any delay, and I urge the full Committee to recognize the new reality of the situation,” said Congressman Charlie Norwood.

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