Jim Sensenbrenner: “Mr. Chairman, H.R. 1655, the Department of Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1999, is…”

“Mr. Chairman, H.R. 1655, the Department of Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1999, is the first stand-alone R&D energy bill to be considered on the floor of the House since 1988. This bill authorizes $3.878 billion for fiscal year 2000 and $4.099 billion for fiscal year 2001 for the Department of Energy's Supply, Science, and Fossil Energy and Energy Conservation R&D programs. Highlights of the bill's authorization for fiscal years 2000 and 2001 include the following: First, it boosts spending for solar and renewable energy technologies. Including the already authorized Hydrogen Research Program and related Office of Science Programs, the bill recommends $401.9 million in fiscal year 2000 for these programs, an increase of $26.8 million, or 6.7 percent above the amount appropriated for fiscal year 1999; and recommends $418.1 million for fiscal year 2001, an increase of $16.8 million, or 4.0 percent above the amount recommended for fiscal year 2000. Second, the bill revitalizes the DOE's moribund Nuclear Energy Program and recommends $115.7 million in fiscal year 2000 for nuclear energy, an increase of $24.3 million, or 26.6 percent above the amount appropriated for fiscal year 1999 and $3.4 million above the administration's request; and recommends $127.3 million for fiscal year 2001, an increase of $11.5 million, or 9.9 percent above the amount recommended for fiscal year 2000.”