Shelley Moore Capito: “today, I rise to encourage and urge support for our bipartisan, bicameral legislation that provides a significant boost…”

“today, I rise to encourage and urge support for our bipartisan, bicameral legislation that provides a significant boost for the future of nuclear energy here in America. After a lot of hard work and negotiations, I am thrilled to be on the floor today as we are on the cusp of getting this bill across the finish line. I see Senator Whitehouse here, my friend from Rhode Island. He was very integral in making this happen today, so I thank him. In March of 2023, we introduced the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act, or what we call the ADVANCE Act. We did so because Republicans and Democrats recognize that the development of new nuclear technologies is critical to America's energy security and our environment. Today, nuclear power provides about 20 percent of our Nation's electricity. Importantly, it is emissions-free electricity that is 24/ 7, 365 days a year. Not only is it necessary to continue developing and deploying more nuclear energy reactors from an energy and environmental standpoint, it is also vital to our national security, and it is good for the economy. So it was important for us as lawmakers to prepare to meet the increased demand--it is predicted to be twice the demand--with policies that encourage investment and deployment of nuclear technologies right here on our shores.…”