Joe Barton: “Is it true that in March of last year, the DOE did file a motion with the NRC Construction Authorization Board to…”

I don't want to speak for the Department of Energy, but the draft legislation allows, without going through the appropriation process, funds generated by using this facility for private purposes to be used for maintenance of the facility.

But I also think I speak for the majority and the minority that we hope that this is something that can move reasonably expeditiously and that means actually end up in a bill the President signs in this Congress.

We are just trying to adopt the SPR to the modern situation.

It is voluntary on a State basis.