Our View

Stop playing games with our safety

It's time for the Defense Department to stop playing games with the safety of citizens in Kentucky and Colorado.  That's the message contained in the annual U.S. Senate Budget Committee report.  They (DOD) continue to study alternative demilitarization technologies because of escalating costs of the entire chemical weapons disposal program.  The release of funds necessary to continue the safest plan for the neutralization of the chemical weapons here (Blue Grass Army Depot) and in Colorado continues to be stonewalled and is troubling to all of us.

In a March 1 Budget Committee hearing with Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, U.S. Senators Jim Bunning (R-KY) and Wayne Allard (R-CO) confronted him regarding the study of alternatives for the disposal of the weapons.  Wolfowitz responded by saying that the demilitarization project should be a priority, but costs (referring to the overall costs of all sites combined) are going through the roof.  Work at the depot has been on schedule and if stoppage does occur, costs will continue to escalate once the funds are released and work is resumed.

If controlling cost is the real issue, spending more money evaluating other alternatives previously rejected isn't the answer.  It's not a logical posistion to take when you are trying to control costs and meet the obligations of the Chemical Weapons Convention treaty dealine of 2012.  However, moving forwrd as planned is.

Officials already have acknowledged that the budget cuts proposed by the Pentagon jeopardze our own compliance with the treaty dealine.  Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice already has stated that she is committed to the disposal ofthe chemical weapons and meeting this deadline.  She has also stated  that if we do not meet the treaty deadlin, can we expect others to comply?  At least that makes sense.  So, what's the holdup with the funds? Someone needs to step up to the plate and move this process forward.

Wolfowitz was asked to visit the depot and see first hand why it's necessary for the project to continue as planned.  He agreed that it would be a good idea, but no visit has been scheduled.  We ask that Bunning continue pressuring him to schedule his visit.  Time is precious and our safety is in question as long as the funds are frozen.

Meeting the treaty deadline is also in question.  Delay of either is not in our best interests.  Wolfowitz needs to keep his word and schedule a visit immediately.  He needs to bring all the decision-makers with him.  We need real answers why the funds remain frozen.  We want actionnow, not broken promises.