S.C. HOUSE DELEGATION VOICES SUPPORT FOR MOX PROJECT

In the face of potentially crippling cuts, all six current members of South Carolina’s House delegation signed onto a letter drafted by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) urging the Obama Administration to prioritize the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility currently under construction at the Savannah River Site. Wilson sent the letter to President Obama yesterday, and it was signed by four other Republican members of the state’s House delegation (Reps. Jeff Duncan, Trey Gowdy, Mick Mulvaney, and Tom Rice) as well as the delegation’s lone Democrat, Rep. James Clyburn. As previously reported, the Obama Administration is believed to be strongly considering suspending the project as a way to deal with across-the-board funding cuts known as sequestration that are set to go into effect at the start of next month. In a statement, Wilson said suspending MOX construction would “jeopardize our global perception” and puts national security at risk. “With only twenty-three short days to go until the sequester is fully implemented, it is my responsibility to be proactive in protecting our nation’s nonproliferation obligations to other countries,” he said. “… Members from both sides of the aisle have joined my efforts, proving that this issue is not partisan politics, but one of grave national security concern. It is my hope that the President will carefully consider the harsh implications that may result if this program is suspended.”