Lamar Smith: “I thank the chairman of the committee for yielding me an additional minute. This appropriations bill also includes…”

“I thank the chairman of the committee for yielding me an additional minute. This appropriations bill also includes funding to begin design and construction for the research reactor authorized in H.R. 589, which will provide access to the fast neutrons necessary to enable the next generation of nuclear energy technology. As we shape the future of the Department of Energy, our priority must be basic and early-stage research that only the Federal Government has the incentives and resources to support and pursue. This will empower private sector innovators to develop and demonstrate resulting new capabilities that will attract the capital investments needed to take energy technology to the marketplace, creating jobs and expanding our economy. Mr. Chairman, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this pro- science bill, pro-energy appropriations bill.”