On the recordJuly 11, 2019
Let me say that we can't fear the future. We must invest in research and development. I want to point out that the then-chair, the Naval Reactors Director, Admiral Richardson, testified before the House Armed Services Committee. He said, with current technology, ``the potential exists that we could develop an advanced fuel system that might increase uranium loading and make low-enriched uranium possible while still meeting some very rigorous performance requirements for naval reactors on nuclear-powered warships.'' To address the concerns of my colleague, I want to mention that this House has already included $20 million for this research in the Energy and Water appropriations package that passed the House on June 19, which also included a $15 million increase to NNSA Federal salaries and expenses over fiscal year 2019. These spending levels have already been set by the House. This amendment simply matches the authorization level with the House-passed appropriations level. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
