Vermont Business Magazine Reaction of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) to the decision announced today by the Department of Energy to vacate the Atomic Energy Commission’s flawed 1954 decision revoking J Robert Oppenheimer’s security clearance:
“The Atomic Energy Commission’s decision in 1954 to revoke J. Robert Oppenheimer’s security clearance was based on a manifestly unjust and unethical hearing that would be resoundingly condemned today. Robert Oppenheimer was a brilliant scientist whose indispensable role in leading the Manhattan Project is beyond dispute. He served this country in a time of great peril as no other person could have, and he remained steadfastly loyal to this country until his death. I commend Secretary Granholm for taking this important step in the interest of justice and fairness.”
“This decision reaffirms that government scientists, whether renowned like Oppenheimer or a technician doing his or her daily job -- including those willing to raise safety concerns or to express unpopular opinions on matters of national security -- can do so freely and that their cases will be fairly reviewed based on facts, not personal animus or politics.
(FRIDAY, Dec. 16, 2022) -- Leahy
