July 29, 1996

At the FESAC meeting July 16-17 a letter was composed and sent to Secretary O'Leary, signed by FESAC chairman Bob Conn urging her to "argue vigorously for a budget of at least $250 million and preferably approaching the President's request," and to "seek language from Congress to allow maximum flexibility in the implementation of the restructured fusion program plan." After the FEAC meeting, Bob Conn visited with Charlie Curtis, Deputy Secretary of Energy, to discuss the situation. Curtis was instrumental last year in negotiating a budget in Conference that was higher than the budget passed by either the House or Senate. In that meeting Curtis indicated he would do his best but expressed concerns that the fusion program had to stay united behind the restructured plan. The gist of the argument to be made is that the program was cut heavily last year, had restructured around a lower budget, but that FEAC had said that $250 million was the lowest number that would be consistent with the logic of the restructured plan. Since the plan has been well received on the Hill, it is hoped that may be willing to give us a budget that does not destroy its logic. Curtis and Martha Krebs let it be known that they would welcome letters from the community to the effect that they will support the logic of the plan down to that level of budget. Conn asked a number of people to send letters to Curtis. As of today, Martha Krebs says that he has received letters from Abdou, Baldwin, Callen, Dean, Drake, Hazeltine, Porkolab, and Prager.

If you would like to send a letter, address it to Hon. Charles Curtis, Deputy Secretary of Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC 20585 and send it by fax:(202)586-6828. Send copies to Martha Krebs, fax: (202)586-4120 (martha.krebs@mailgw.er.doe.gov) and to Anne Davies, fax: (301)903-8584.

Other Notes:

1. The restrictive language of the House is not likely to survive in conference, so emphasize our budget needs more than the flexibility issue.

2. Anne Davies mother died last Tuesday.

For more information, contact: Stephen O. Dean