[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 86 (Friday, June 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2013

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                               speech of

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 31, 2012

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 5325) making 
     appropriations for energy and water development and related 
     agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and 
     for other purposes:
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I oppose the amendment 
shifting funds from the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility (MOX).
   On September 1, 2000, the United States and Russia signed the US-
Russia Plutonium Disposition Agreement, with each nation agreeing to 
dispose of 34 metric tons of surplus weapons-grade plutonium. Since 
that time, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) has made the 
decision to disposition the weapons-grade plutonium by means of a Mixed 
Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility (MOX) which is currently under 
construction at DOE's Savannah River Site (SRS), near Aiken, South 
Carolina.
  In addition to providing a means to enable the United States to honor 
its international obligation to Russia, MOX will generate nearly $50 
billion worth of nuclear fuel rods over its lifespan which will be sold 
by the federal government.
  The facility, which is more than halfway completed, currently employs 
2,600 individuals at the site and is responsible for over 2,000 
additional jobs across 42 states which are directly related to the 
project.
  Finally, the MOX facility plays a great role in the energy future of 
the United States. The nuclear fuel rods MOX will produce will provide 
power to the homes of millions of Americans.
  The MOX facility is a vital asset to our country and I stand 
committed to taking every measure necessary to ensure that this 
worthwhile program is fully funded.

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