Wilson Applauds Passage of Defense Authorization Bill

Wilson Applauds Passage of Defense Authorization Bill

H.R. 5122 includes major initiatives which improve how the Department of Defense procures major weapons systems, fund state-of-the-art equipment designed to help American troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, and provide compensation and support programs for the men and women of our armed forces.

In addition to helping U.S. troops continue to protect American families in the Global War on Terror, H.R. 5122 includes a specific amendment sponsored by Congressman Wilson which de-links the United States and Russia mixed oxide (MOX) programs.

Wilson praised this tremendous victory, Throughout the past six years, our country has demonstrated that we are ready to move forward with our part of the non-proliferation agreement. Last week, my colleagues on the Committee supported the amendment to de-link the U.S. and Russia MOX programs to ensure that the pace of the Russia MOX program will not dictate the progress of the U.S. MOX program. Described by CQ Today as ‘perhaps the most significant amendment adopted,' at last Wednesday's markup, this provision enables SRS to immediately begin construction on a MOX facility. We are hopeful that our progress will encourage Russia to proceed with the same momentum on their nuclear responsibilities.

In addition to creating hundreds of jobs in South Carolina, this important development helps ensure that America fulfills its commitment to safely reducing our excess plutonium supply.

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http://joewilson.house.gov/index.cfm?ContentID=214&ParentID=53&SectionID=47&SectionTree=7,53,47&lnk=b&ItemID=213