Thank you, Representative Fortenberry for introducing some sanity into the discussion about the MOX boondoggle!
Though he withdrew his amendment to House legislation to fund the Department of Energy, Representative Jeff Fortenberry (R-Nebraska) spoke much-needed common sense about the dire situation with the mismanaged MOX program.
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE – July 9, 2014
“My amendment seeks to move $25 million from the mixed oxide fuel program and move it into the defense nuclear nonproliferation accounts, such as the global threat reduction initiative and other similar accounts.”
“The reason I am offering this is I am very concerned about the future of the mixed oxide, the MOX, fuel program. So is the Department of Energy. So is the administration. So is our committee. Everyone is very concerned about the potential viability of this program which we have already spent $4 billion of taxpayer money on.”
Representative Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina) responded with a comment in which he feebly attempts to perpetuate the lie that France has a similar MOX plant as the one being built at SRS: “I want you to be aware that this is actually proven technology. There has been a facility built in France already that has provided and proven that this will work…”
FACT CHECK: The plutonium proliferation company AREVA, a government-owned French company, has never built or operated a nuclear fuel facility to produce MOX fuel made from weapon-grade plutonium. They are attempting to design the US MOX plant to handle weapon-grade plutonium but it seems like their design is in trouble as they attempt to meet US standards. And, MOX fuel made from weapon-grade plutonium has NEVER been used commercially anywhere in the world. Representative Wilson, your repeated attempts to perpetuate untruths about MOX are deceptive yet transparent. Representative Wilson, why do you continue yoru attempts to deceive the tax payer about the costly MOX madness? Instead, why aren’t you calling for full accountability and investigations into what has turned into a major disaster for DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration and Shaw AREVA MOX Services?
It’s time for heads to roll. But we haven’t even got a slap on the wrist of those responsible for the massive MOX debacle. And, nobody responsible has had the moral courage to step forward to assume responsibility. Such a sad testimony to the way DOE operates and that contractors think it’s normal to exploit DOE and the tax payers. One day, justice will be served….