On the recordMay 17, 2016
I agree with the distinguished gentleman from Texas that Russia has changed. The threat of loose nuclear material has not changed. Nuclear material in Russia is far more vulnerable than in the United States, and stolen nuclear material anywhere is a threat to Americans. Now, on a bipartisan basis, this committee has increased funding for domestic physical security improvements. However, at current funding levels, that backlog will exist for years. If Congress is going to establish a waiver process, it should be an achievable one. Right now we do not do any of this work in Russia, but we have the opportunity to reduce the nuclear threat, and we should keep that option available. I would ask this body to support my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
