House Passes Energy Research and Innovation Bill

Statement

The U.S. House of Representatives today unanimously approved the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act (H.R. 589), introduced by Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas). H.R. 589 provides policy direction to the Department of Energy (DOE) on basic science research, nuclear energy research and development (R&D), research coordination and priorities, and reforms to streamline national lab management.

Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas): "I am pleased to sponsor H.R. 589, the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act, which will advance basic research and set clear science priorities for the Department of Energy. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will enable the development of next generation technology and promote innovation and economic growth. I thank Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson and my colleagues on the Science Committee, Reps. Hultgren, Knight, and Weber, for their help writing this legislation. I look forward to the Senate approving this important legislation soon."

Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas): "This bill includes the first comprehensive authorization of the DOE Office of Science, which is the largest supporter of physical sciences research in the country. This is a nearly $6 billion office that manages 10 of our national laboratories, often called the crown jewels of our national research infrastructure.

"I would like to thank Chairman Smith and his staff for working closely with us and our Senate counterparts to find common ground on a wide range of areas that will be critical to ensuring our nation's competitiveness and our clean energy future."

Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas): "America must maintain our nuclear capabilities, and continue to develop cutting edge technology here at home. Without the direction provided in Title IV, we'll continue to fall further and further behind, losing the ability to develop innovative nuclear technology and be left importing next-generation reactor designs from overseas. Title IV will maintain America's capability to influence security and proliferation standards around the world as more developing nations look to nuclear energy to grow their economies."

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