Derrek Asberry reports that a new, slightly different version of the federal defense bill includes the same $345 million authorization for construction of the Savannah River Site MOX facility and will head to the U.S. Senate next week for possible approval. Funding levels in the defense bill, or National Defense Authorization Act, were adjusted to reflect the Bipartisan Budget Act that was passed on Oct. 28.\n\nThe bill passed through the House on Thursday with an overwhelming 370 votes, with the only significant change being a $5 billion reduction in spending. President Barack Obama vetoed the original bill, largely because it sought an additional $38.3 billion to fight wars. The bill calls for Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to carry out construction and project support activities relating to the SRS Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility. The facility is reportedly more than 70% complete, according to CB&I MOX Services. The mission is to make good on an agreement with Russia for each nation to dispose of 34 metric tons of weapons-grade plutonium. The MOX method seeks to accomplish the mission by converting the plutonium into commercial nuclear reactor fuel.
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