WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M., today issued the following statement vehemently opposing an Office of Management and Budget memo suggesting that NNSA controlled laboratories should be moved from within the Department of Energy to the Department of Defense:
"I strongly disagree with the proposal to move Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories from the Department of Energy to the Department of Defense. I have expressed my opposition directly to OMB Director Peter Orszag. For decades these laboratories have provided world class research and development, contributing not only to our national security but to countless innovations that have benefited our economy and our well-being. Moving the labs from DOE to DOD, as explored in the OMB memo, would change the fundamental mission and purpose of the labs, and would discourage exactly the kind of science that is now most needed.
"During my service in the House, and now in the Senate, I have worked extensively with the labs to find ways in which they can take full advantage of their capabilities in all areas of national security. The research our nation needs in nuclear nonproliferation, renewable energy, homeland security and more is being done, and should be done, at these labs. I will fight alongside Senator Bingaman against any efforts to limit the ability of these labs to expand their missions."
