Radiation at Walter Reed investigated by NRC

DoD Report – Tune in weekdays at 40 minutes past the hour for the latest news on the Defense Department. The DoD Report can be heard on the Federal Drive with Tom Temin and Amy Morris (6-10 a.m.) and the DorobekINSIDER with Chris Dorobek (3-7 p.m.). Listen live at FederalNewsRadio.com or on the radio at 1500 and 820 AM in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The DoD Report is brought to you by Dell.

• Patients and staff at Walter Reed Army Medical Center might have been exposed to radiation. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says it is investigating the incident. Two packages of radioactive material sat under a counter in the main lobby for nearly two days. Walter Reed officials say that radiation levels at the desk exceeded allowable limits. However, they say there are no reports of any illness or adverse effects from the exposure. Officials will meet with NRC staff on Wednesday.
• Even though cuts are coming to the Department of Defense, DoD’s Chief Financial Officer says the White House will likely call for real growth of about one percent in the next Defense budget, Reuters says. Robert Hale says they’ve asked for a one percent boost, and that they have a shot at getting it. Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants to cut a hundred billion dollars from fiscal 2012 through 2016. The savings would be spent on forces in the field and modernization of the arsenal. Among those who could benefit are Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Raytheon.

Check out all of Federal News Radio’s coverage of Defense issues here.

Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.