http://www.aviationnow.com/awin/awin_awst/awin_awst_section_story.jsp?issueD ate=2004-11-29§ion=Industry+Outlook Industry Outlook Omnibus Bill Excludes New Nuke Funding Aviation Week & Space Technology 11/29/2004, page 17 Edited by Patricia J. Parmalee Nuclear Reduction The omnibus spending bills Congress passes as a last-ditch measure at the end of the fiscal year are notorious for being padded by special interests. But some Bush administration-desired weapons projects didn't make the cut as Congress completed its work earlier this month. No money was provided in the Energy Dept.'s budget for the robust nuclear earth penetrator. Also left bereft is research for advanced nuclear weapon concepts. The lack of funding represents a setback for supporters of those initiatives, who have managed to fight efforts by opponents to kill the projects outright. Supporters argue that new nuclear weapons focused on more modern threats are needed, while detractors contend the U.S. shouldn't be designing new nukes, particularly as it's trying to convince others to abandon their programs. One of the staunchest congressional opponents, Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), notes: "Until our warfighters have a military requirement for a new nuclear weapon or have exhausted conventional alternatives, Congress should not support development of such a weapon." --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.797 / Virus Database: 541 - Release Date: 11/15/2004
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