Frank Lautenberg: “Fewer guns and the ability to track guns enhances our capabilities.”

Thank you for scheduling this hearing to consider the re-nomination of Dr. Allison Macfarlane to be Chairwoman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

I believe it is time for this subcommittee and others to give serious thought to the way the IRS is funded.

I am concerned that with our budget difficulties we will continue to see declining budgets for Defense Nuclear Non-Proliferation activities in favor of Weapons Activities.

I am deeply concerned that recent cuts to the IRS budget are jeopardizing its ability to carry out this vital mission.