On the recordJanuary 28, 2016
in a few minutes we will vote on the adoption of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, which we are seeking to add as an amendment to this important Energy bill. This amendment will do a number of very critical things to help the United States increase and maintain and keep its lead in nuclear energy development globally. It will establish a modeling and simulation program that aids in the development of new reactor technologies, establish a user facility for a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source, and establish a national innovation center to help share this vital information between the government and the private sector. It will allow the NRC to apprise the Department of Energy of regulatory challenges early in the development process and would require a report by the NRC on the licensing of non-light water reactors. This bill is a strong signal to the rest of the world that we intend to maintain U.S. leadership in nuclear technology. This bill will enable the private sector and national labs to work together to create even greater achievement in nuclear science than in the last century. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired. The Senator from Rhode Island.
