[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 77 (Monday, June 19, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H4595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      LOS ALAMOS SECURITY PROBLEM

  Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, the Los Alamos security problem is not a 
trivial matter. An official familiar with the investigation was quoted 
last weekend as having said hopefully the drives never left the secured 
area; if we believe this version, we will then be convinced that Santa 
Claus is a viable being and, finally, to complete the hat trick, the 
Tooth Fairy will trot across the stage.
  If, after this, we remain skeptical, we would be well advised, Madam 
Speaker, to apply the admonishing lyrics of an old Lester Flatt and 
Earl Scruggs bluegrass tune entitled, ``I am going to sleep with one 
eye open from now on.''
  Obviously, those charged with guarding the hen house at Los Alamos 
kept no eyes open, and the fox was free to roam at will. Corrective 
action must be forthcoming to resolve this inexcusable breach of 
security.
  The potential detriment imposed upon our country may be irreparable. 
I sit as a Member of no House committee with direct jurisdiction over 
the Department of Energy; however, I have been more than a casual 
observer of the shoddy security measures at our Nation's nuclear lab.
  I have previously crossed swords with the Department of Energy. Some 
recent years ago that Department was directed by a Secretary who 
enjoyed taking frequent trips, international and domestic, subsidized, 
of course, by taxpayers.
  She insisted as well that she be surrounded by attendants who made up 
her road show entourage who traveled as well at taxpayers expense. I 
took her to task for this excessive travel, and several DOE employees 
and officials expressed thanks for my concern because their Department 
was being embarrassed.
  Embarrassment is being felt yet again, but I distinguish the abusive 
travel practices with the present Los Alamos problem. The former 
involved a Secretary whose attitude was one of indifferent disregard to 
prudent management practices. The Los Alamos exposure involves national 
security.
  Madam Speaker, even though there is no Cold War, many Americans, some 
who sat in this very Chamber, believe that since there is no Cold War, 
there is therefore no threat. There are, indeed, threats, Madam 
Speaker; and the Los Alamos problem could very well be nurturing a 
significant one. Let us clean up this mess before it is too late.

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