Randy Weber: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chair, I think Mr. Lamb is going to have a statement here coming up, and I…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chair, I think Mr. Lamb is going to have a statement here coming up, and I thank Chairman Lamb in advance for his remarks. He has a jam-up amendment. Nuclear energy has been one of my top priorities during my time on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. America has a long history of leadership in nuclear science. It is critical that we maintain that leadership, but our existing fleet of reactors is aging. Many of our nuclear plants are nearing the end of their 40-year licenses and must reapply with the NRC to continue operation. While license renewals are important to ensure nuclear safety, the process requires robust analysis, planning, and science- and technology-based solutions to modernize nuclear plants. Fortunately, the DOE is carrying out this critical R&D through its Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program. This program funds research in materials, modeling, and system analytics to support extending the operating life of the existing fleet. By developing a science-based approach to understanding and predicting the ways materials and nuclear plants behave over time, DOE can help plant operators find ways to safely operate existing systems while mitigating potential damage to reactor components. DOE also funds R&D to support plant modernization efforts.…”