Reid, Ensign announce amendment to modernize Nevada Test Site

Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign on Tuesday said they are seeking a new role for the Nevada Test Site, and a name change for the site as well. The two Nevada senators sent out this statement Tuesday morning.

REID, ENSIGN ANNOUNCE AMENDMENT TO MODERNIZE NEVADA TEST SITE
Amendment part of DOD Appropriations bill scheduled to pass today

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Nevada Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign today announced Amendment No. 2562 - Nevada Test Site modernization, which will be included in the 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations bill that is scheduled to pass later today.  This amendment declares it the sense of Congress that:

• The Nevada Test Site can play a key role in treaty verification and detection of nuclear weapons, and that the Site’s mission should be expanded to fully utilize its secure location and unique capabilities;

• The Administrator for Nuclear Security should develop an Infrastructure Improvement Plan to fulfill the Nevada Test Site’s expanded mission, and to make the site available to the entire national security community; and

• The Administrator should also change the name of the Nevada Test Site to reflect its expanded mission.

“The Nevada Test Site is important to our national security, and plays a critical role in our nuclear weapons and security program,” Reid said. “This amendment will help the Nevada Test Site to better prepare the nation to identify and prevent the use of improvised nuclear, chemical and biological weapons at home, while preparing us for stronger arms control agreements in the future.”

“The Nevada Test Site is a crown jewel of our national security infrastructure, and expanding the mission there is vital to protecting this nation," said Ensign.  "Getting this legislation passed is another example of the delegation doing what’s right for the state of Nevada."