[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 23, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL D. CRAPO

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 22, 1998

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4060) making 
     appropriations for energy and water development for the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 1999, and for other 
     purposes:


  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my strong opposition to 
the Foley-Miller-Markey-Kucinich-Sanders amendment to eliminate funding 
for the Depart of Energy's (DOE) Nuclear Energy Research Initiative 
(NERI).
  As you know, NERI is the only new nuclear research and development 
program funded in the FY 1999 Energy and Water Development 
Appropriations Bill. This new program, which is supported by the 
President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology, will 
support long-term research in advanced nuclear technologies, such as 
proliferation-resistant reactor and fuel technologies and high 
efficiency reactor concepts. This competitive, peer-reviewed grants 
program will support the best ideas from the United States nuclear 
industry, universities, and national laboratories. In addition, NERI 
will help maintain the United States' leadership and expertise in 
advanced energy technologies.
  NERI enjoys strong support from the nuclear industry, universities, 
and DOE national laboratories. My home state of Idaho is privileged to 
have some of the most talented nuclear scientists and researchers in 
the world at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental 
Laboratory and at Argonne National Laboratory-West. NERI will permit 
these world-class scientists and engineers the opportunity to advance 
nuclear science and engineering well into the next century. If the 
United States expects to be considered a world leader in nuclear 
science and technology, it must fund programs like NERI that advance 
our knowledge in nuclear science and technology.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against the amendment.

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