Opening Remarks of Chairman Rogers

Subcommittee on Strategic Forces

Washington, DC, October 7, 2015
Today, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, made the following remarks on the hearing titled "Plutonium Disposition and the MOX Project:"

"This hearing is examining one of the Department of Energy’s largest and highest profile construction projects.

The MOX Project and the broader Plutonium Disposition Program have been the subject of several recent reviews.

The leaders of two of those reviews are at the witness table today. Mr. MacWilliams led Secretary Moniz’s internal assessment team, and Dr. Mason led the independent Red Team.

They’ve both also been involved in figuring out what DOE should do about key uranium capabilities that are critical to national security.

Gentlemen, you seem to get all of the easy issues.

They are joined by General Klotz, who is no stranger to difficult challenges. General Klotz has overall responsibility for executing the program as head of the NNSA.

We look forward to hearing from all of you about the Department’s current status on this program as the committee looks to help the nation determine what is in the best interests of the taxpayer and national security."