Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) is criticizing delays in submission of a Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management reprogramming request, which he said could alleviate some of sequestration’s impacts to Savannah River Site workers. Currently about 2,500 site workers are on part-time furloughs, and site officials say about 900 will be furloughed full time in June unless a reprogramming is approved. “The recent budget shortfalls that are forcing furloughs at the Savannah River Site are a direct result of inaction by the President and his Office of Management and Budget,” Wilson said in a statement yesterday. “For well over a month, I have been proactive on behalf of my constituents to encourage the quick consideration of the reprogramming request. Unfortunately, due to inaction, thousands of jobs are at risk of furlough at the Savannah River Site and vital national security missions have been placed on the backburner.”
Wilson plans to hold a town hall meeting Friday in Aiken, South Carolina, to discuss the impacts of sequestration. “As we inch closer to its full implementation, it is my responsibility as a Member of Congress to do my best to advocate for those who may be affected by the President’s sequester,” he said. “As a result, I have invited constituents to attend a town hall meeting where we will provide a brief overview of current efforts being taken to combat the furloughs and provide information to the SRS community about what can be done to protect the Site’s vital mission.”
