Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman released the following statement today:

“During my tenure at the Department, and even before, there have been a number of management issues involving the National Nuclear Security Administration, the most recent of which was a serious security breach several months ago at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.  These management and security issues can have serious implications for the security of the United States.  The Deputy Secretary and I repeatedly have stressed to NNSA and laboratory management the importance of these issues being addressed, rectified, and prevented in the future.”

“While I believe that the current NNSA management has done its best to address these concerns, I do not believe that progress in correcting these issues has been adequate.”

“I repeatedly have told DOE and laboratory employees, and in particular senior managers, we must be accountable to the President and the American people not just for efforts, but for results.  Therefore, and after careful consideration, I have decided that it is time for new leadership at the NNSA, and I have asked for the resignation of NNSA Administrator, Linton Brooks.  Ambassador Brooks will tender his resignation to the President, and depart later this month.  An Acting Administrator will be designated soon.”

“Ambassador Brooks has served his country with distinction for almost five decades, and has many accomplishments to his credit, as an officer in the U.S. Navy, as a lead U.S. arms reduction negotiator, and here at the Department of Energy.  As NNSA Administrator, he has overseen some of the most highly skilled and dedicated public servants in the federal government whose work helps ensure the Nation’s safety and security.  Ambassador Brooks is a good man, and he will be missed at DOE.  I wish him all the best in the future.”