Snippets from Opening Statement
Chairman Dianne Feinstein
Department of Energy Budget Hearing
National Nuclear Security Administration Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Request
March 21, 2012
Regarding nuclear weapons activities, I believe the fiscal year 2013 budget request provides more than sufficient funding to modernize the nuclear weapons stockpile. Some of my Senate and House colleagues have raised concerns that the budget request falls short and more funding is needed.
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I am concerned about NNSA’s inability to contain the costs of major projects, such as life extension programs and the construction of new facilities.
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NNSA has just terminated or delayed 2 major construction projects after spending $1.5 billion only to conclude that it could use existing facilities to meet mission requirements.
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I am concerned about funding shortfalls for nonproliferation activities, which address the highest risk to the United States—nuclear terrorism.
