[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 24, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H3146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            U.S. MOX PROGRAM

  (Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in 2000, the U.S. and 
Russia agreed to dispose of 34 metric tons of surplus weapons-grade 
plutonium by turning it into a mixed oxide fuel for existing commercial 
nuclear reactors. Recently, the future of this program, which is vital 
to our national security, has been in doubt.
  I acknowledge, sure, there have been delays, but I am confident that 
language previously agreed to by the House will allow the U.S. MOX 
program to move forward regardless of the pace of the Russian program. 
Moving forward in this unilateral fashion makes good sense.
  I am proud that the Savannah River Site in my district has been 
selected for this important project. Eliminating the MOX program in the 
Energy and Water Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2007 is wrong not 
only for my State but the Nation and the world.
  The chairman has made his thoughts clear, but I respectfully disagree 
with his conclusions and will not be able to support any legislation 
that effectively turns South Carolina into a dumping ground. That is 
why I will not be able to support H.R. 5427 when it comes to a vote 
later today.

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