Wilson Sends Letter to President in Support of MOX Facility

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after sending a letter to President Obama in support of the MOX project, a Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility (MFFF) at the Savannah River Site.

Wilson stated, "The MOX facility at the Savannah River Site, located outside of Aiken, South Carolina, is an important project that is key in allowing the United States to fulfill our international nonproliferation obligations. The project turns "bombs into energy" and is the means by which the United States will honor our agreement with Russia by disposing of weapons-grade plutonium. Due to the impending sequester, the MOX project is on target to experience a budget cut, which threatens the future for the facility. To make matters worse, it has been brought to my attention that the Administration is considering not prioritizing this project in its FY2014 budget, which is a direct contradiction of its previous policy.

"Not only will this action jeopardize our global perception, it also places our national security at risk. With only twenty-three short days to go until the sequester is fully implemented, it is my responsibility to be proactive in protecting our nation's nonproliferation obligations to other countries. As a result, I have sent a letter to the President outlining why the MOX facility must stay on target to be completed. Members from both sides of the aisle have joined my efforts, proving that this issue is not partisan politics, but one of grave national security concern. It is my hope that the President will carefully consider the harsh implications that may result if this program is suspended."

*To view a copy of the letter, please click here.