U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman talks with Laboratory Director G. Peter Nanos on Thursday in the Administration Building Auditorium at Technical Area 3 before speaking to the work force. Bingaman, D-N.M., also received briefings from Nanos and senior managers on the status of operations and on a number of Laboratory programs.
Senator details Lab's unique, significant contributions
"I believe that the greatest contributions of this laboratory still lie in the future," U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman said at a "State of the Laboratory" talk Thursday in the Administration Building Auditorium at Technical Area 3.
Laboratory Director G. Peter Nanos introduced Bingaman, D-N.M., saluting him as a "a true friend of Los Alamos" who "stood with us during these difficult times."
Bingaman acknowledged the turmoil and uncertainty spawned by this summer's suspension of work and the upcoming contract competition. However, he argued that, "in my view, the best strategy for negotiating this kind of a difficult period is to focus our attention on [the] important work the Lab is engaged in."
Praising Los Alamos as a "broad-based center of excellence for science and technology," Bingaman outlined three priorities he conveyed to Washington: first, recognize Los Alamos' value as a comprehensive and multidisciplinary national laboratory; second, understand the important role that science and technology must play for this nation to surmount its most significant challenges; and third, apply the Lab's capabilities to address those challenges.
"Los Alamos continues to be at the forefront of science and technology to help us address these very challenges," said Bingaman. Whatever the issue - be it ensuring nuclear nonproliferation, promoting cooperative threat reduction, preventing terrorist attacks at home or abroad, transitioning away from a declining supply of fossil fuels, or maintaining a stable and sustainable climate while preserving economic growth - the Lab "pushes the frontiers of science" and contributes in a significant, unique way, he added.
Bingaman positioned himself as a champion of science and national security, citing as one example his National Intelligence Reform Bill amendment, which will allow national laboratory scientists to continue assisting governmental agencies responsible for national security. Bingaman also said he supported creating a chief scientist position reporting to the new national intelligence director.
At its core, Bingaman argued, "science in the national interest is what this laboratory is all about." He said protecting America is a sweeping endeavor that extends beyond nuclear deterrence to alternative energy sources and sound environmental stewardship, and noted that Los Alamos' mission must be leveraging science and technology to meet these challenges. In turn, Bingaman pledged to "work with [the Lab] to make sure [it has] the resources necessary to make those contributions."
Bingaman's talk will be rebroadcast beginning today on LABNET Channel 10. Go to the LABNET Channel 10 schedule at http://www.hr.lanl.gov/TIO/labnet10.htm online for viewing times.
--Brooke Kent
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U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman called the Laboratory a "broad-based center of excellence for science and technology" at a State of the Laboratory address Thursday in the Administration Building Auditorium. Photos by LeRoy N. Sanchez, Public Affairs |