WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman issued the following statement about the Department of Energy’s decision to award Los Alamos National Laboratory’s management contract to Bechtel-University of California:

 “This announcement marks the end of a long and difficult period of uncertainty for LANL employees. 

“We were fortunate that two outstanding teams were interested in managing this lab. 

             “Early in the new year, I will be seeking a briefing with DOE and NNSA officials to find out how the six-month transition process will                        unfold, and to ensure that lab employees’ pension and other concerns will be addressed.

             “Los Alamos National Laboratory has benefited tremendously from its five decade association with the University of California.  I am                        confident that this new management team will ensure that LANL remains one of our nation’s most important research laboratories.”

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