Matheson Hails Lack of Funding for New Nukes

Stymies R&D; slows efforts to resume testing

Washington, D.C.- Congressman Jim Matheson said Saturday that the lack of funding in year-end appropriations bills for research and development of two types of new nuclear weapons is "a great victory for those downwind of the Nevada Test Site."

Matheson said the final FY '05 Energy and Water Appropriations bill eliminates funding  for the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP) and new advanced concepts weapons designs.

"I am very proud to be among those who stood up to the administration and said we won't go down the path towards the resumption of nuclear weapons testing," said Matheson.  "Utahns have paid dearly for government deception about the safety of nuclear weapons testing.  I am determined to resist that at every turn because this fight is not over.  This issue will be revisited, but today is a satisfying victory!"

Matheson said he is pleased that the appropriations bill shifts $9 million from advanced concepts research on new weapons designs to the Reliable Replacement Warhead program.  That funding will be used to improve the reliability, longevity and certifiability of existing nuclear weapons and their components.  Altogether, the legislation provides $6.5 billion for weapons activities, focusing on the directed stockpile work.

Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 E. Morris Ave., #235
Salt Lake City UT 84115
(801) 486-1236  fax (801) 486-1417
(801) 455-5593  cell