David Skaggs: “I authored section 3161 of the 1993 defense bill that authorized these programs. I think they will continue to play a…”

“I authored section 3161 of the 1993 defense bill that authorized these programs. I think they will continue to play a very important role as we go further into the post-cold war period. So I was worried about proposals initially in the report to limit the extent of these programs as they would continue at the Rocky Flats site and other sites where weapons production has ended but our final mission cleanup remains to be completed. I am glad we were able to work out some changes on that part of the report so that there is no doubt that 3161 will continue to apply to Rocky Flats and other similar sites. However, I think there is still a need to clarify one related provision of the bill. As the gentleman knows, section 305 essentially makes section 3161 of the 1993 defense bill unavailable to 'employees of the Department of Energy.' A question has come up as to whether that restriction extends to employees of DOE's contractors or subcontractors.”