Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

Washington, DC - This morning, the United States and Russia signed an agreement that formally resolves liability issues which delayed construction of the Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Fabrication Facility at the Savannah River Site (SRS). In 2000, the U.S. and Russia each agreed to dispose of 34 metric tons of surplus, weapons-grade plutonium by turning it into MOX fuel for use in existing commercial nuclear reactors. The MOX program is the most cost effective manner for converting excess weapons-grade plutonium into forms unusable for weapons by terrorists. Members of the South Carolina and Georgia delegations have worked tirelessly to overcome this hurdle. Having met with officials from the White House, the State Department, the Department of Energy, and the National Nuclear Security Administration the delegation made it clear that all the issues needed to be resolved so the program can move forward. "The events of today are the result of a lot of hard work and dedication by my colleagues and me," said Congressman Gresham Barrett (R-SC, 3). "This announcement is huge news for the MOX program, the Site, the state and the nation. It is further proof that the Administration joins the South Carolina and Georgia delegations in strong support of the MOX program, which is vital to our national security. I am confident that this news will alleviate any doubts that may exist in the minds of some as to the commitment behind the program. The agreement helps put all the pieces of the puzzle together and solves a major issue surrounding the delays in the MOX program. I look forward to working through the appropriation process to ensure that the US commitment is fulfilled." "This is great news for the future of SRS and the United States," said U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). "The MOX program will play an essential national security role in the decades to come. I appreciate the dedication of the Bush Administration and the Department of State to see these negotiations through to the end. I appreciate the work of my congressional colleagues from South Carolina and Georgia for their efforts to keep this issue at the forefront. We remain committed to seeing the MOX program fully funded and operational." "This roadblock being removed shows a strong commitment on the part of both countries to move forward," said U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC). "I'm going to continue to push for the U.S. to fulfill its commitment and proceed with the funding of the MOX Fuel Fabrication Facility." "One of the reasons why the MOX facility is so important is that it will help both countries make great strides toward keeping weapons-grade plutonium out of the hands of terrorists," said U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA). "I know the hard working professionals at Savannah River Site are ready and able to start work on the facility as soon as possible." "We have a world class facility in the Savannah River Site, and the agreement reached today is huge step forward," said U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, (R-GA). "I am confident the Georgia and South Carolina delegations will continue to work hard to ensure that the MOX program is funded and operational as soon as possible." "In reaching an agreement today with Russia, we have taken a vital step in moving the MOX program forward. Our commitment to waste cleanup at the Savannah River Site remains strong, and I am confident that today's news will aid our efforts to expedite construction of the MOX facility and secure future funding," said Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC, 2). "This clears the final hurdle for getting the MOX facility up and going at SRS. I look forward to immediately passing whatever additional measures are necessary to bring it to completion. This is a tremendous step forward for not just the CSRA, but the entire nation in national security, independence from foreign oil, and prevention of nuclear terrorism," said Congressman Charlie Norwood (R-GA, 9). ###