WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today voted to approve legislation (69-30) to fund the federal government though December 3.  Under the bill, almost all agencies are funded at fiscal year 2010 enacted levels; the National Nuclear Security Administration, however, received a $624 million increase.

            The additional NNSA funds lend strong support to the stockpile stewardship programs at New Mexico’s two federal laboratories, in advance of debate on the new START treaty with Russia.

            “This bill is very good for Sandia and Los Alamos national labs because it strongly supports the key stockpile stewardship work they do,” Bingaman said.  “It is a sign of how important the labs are – and will remain -- to our national security.” 

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