[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 42 (Thursday, March 13, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY

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                            HON. MIKE KELLY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2014

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to describe the 
unique opportunity for the United States to meet a number of national 
goals through the utilization of nuclear energy.
  The nuclear industry has played an instrumental role in promoting 
economic growth and energy security in America. I have witnessed 
firsthand the benefits of nuclear energy back home in Western 
Pennsylvania, where the Westinghouse Electric Company employs thousands 
of hardworking Americans. Founded in 1886 by American entrepreneur and 
engineer Thomas Westinghouse, the company was initially known for 
helping to bring electricity to homes throughout our country. Today, 
nearly 50 percent of the nuclear power plants in operation worldwide, 
including nearly 60 percent in the United States, are based on 
Westinghouse technology.
  These positive impacts on our domestic economy are only a part of 
nuclear energy's overall benefits. The U.S. commercial nuclear energy 
sector yields enormous influence over global nonproliferation policy. 
The sector is also responsible for assuring international nuclear 
safety through the exportation of U.S. advanced reactor designs and 
America's operational expertise. Thus, by exporting U.S. nuclear 
technology, we ensure the highest levels of plant safety and influence 
over nonproliferation policies throughout the globe.
  Mr. Speaker, a successful nuclear trade and export policy is 
paramount to international nuclear nonproliferation and power plant 
safety. I urge my colleagues to recognize the benefits of our nation's 
participation in the expanding global market for nuclear energy 
technologies.

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