Statement on congressional fundingfor the National Ignition Facility

"We appreciate the vote of confidence expressed by members of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Conference Committee in their continuing support for the National Ignition Facility (NIF).  We are committed to bringing NIF on line as quickly and efficiently as possible and we look forward to working with the National Nuclear Security Administration to minimize the impact of the $10 million FY 06 shortfall and to optimize the overall Stockpile Stewardship Program and our national security responsibilities."

Michael Anastasio, Director     

Background:

The President’s budget requested a total of $337.4 million for NIF in four categories. In action yesterday, the Energy and Water Appropriations Conference Committee approved the requested $141.9 million for construction; $43 million for diagnostics; and $40.2 million for ignition.  The demonstration budget, which funds the assembly and installation of NIF’s laser components, received $102.3 million – which is $10 million less than requested by the President.

NIF is already more than 80 percent complete. Eight of its 192 laser beams have been placed into operation. The project is scheduled for completion in mid-2009, with first ignition experiments expected to begin the following year. 

Founded in 1952, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has a mission to ensure national security and apply science and technology to the important issues of our time. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.