[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 153 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H8235-H8239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           NUCLEAR ENERGY INNOVATION CAPABILITIES ACT OF 2017

  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 
the bill (S. 97) to enable civilian research and development of 
advanced nuclear energy technologies by private and public 
institutions, to expand theoretical and practical knowledge of nuclear 
physics, chemistry, and materials science, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                 S. 97

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear Energy Innovation 
     Capabilities Act of 2017''.

     SEC. 2. NUCLEAR ENERGY INNOVATION CAPABILITIES.

       (a) Nuclear Energy.--Section 951 of the Energy Policy Act 
     of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271) is amended to read as follows:

[[Page H8236]]

  


     ``SEC. 951. NUCLEAR ENERGY.

       ``(a) Mission.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out programs 
     of civilian nuclear research, development, demonstration, and 
     commercial application, including activities under this 
     subtitle.
       ``(2) Considerations.--The programs carried out under 
     paragraph (1) shall take into consideration the following 
     objectives:
       ``(A) Providing research infrastructure to promote 
     scientific progress and enable users from academia, the 
     National Laboratories, and the private sector to make 
     scientific discoveries relevant for nuclear, chemical, and 
     materials science engineering.
       ``(B) Maintaining nuclear energy research and development 
     programs at the National Laboratories and institutions of 
     higher education, including infrastructure at the National 
     Laboratories and institutions of higher education.
       ``(C) Providing the technical means to reduce the 
     likelihood of nuclear proliferation.
       ``(D) Increasing confidence margins for public safety of 
     nuclear energy systems.
       ``(E) Reducing the environmental impact of activities 
     relating to nuclear energy.
       ``(F) Supporting technology transfer from the National 
     Laboratories to the private sector.
       ``(G) Enabling the private sector to partner with the 
     National Laboratories to demonstrate novel reactor concepts 
     for the purpose of resolving technical uncertainty associated 
     with the objectives described in subparagraphs (A) through 
     (F).
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this subtitle:
       ``(1) Advanced nuclear reactor.--The term `advanced nuclear 
     reactor' means--
       ``(A) a nuclear fission reactor with significant 
     improvements over the most recent generation of nuclear 
     fission reactors, which may include--
       ``(i) inherent safety features;
       ``(ii) lower waste yields;
       ``(iii) greater fuel utilization;
       ``(iv) superior reliability;
       ``(v) resistance to proliferation;
       ``(vi) increased thermal efficiency; and
       ``(vii) the ability to integrate into electric and 
     nonelectric applications; or
       ``(B) a nuclear fusion reactor.
       ``(2) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the Nuclear 
     Regulatory Commission.
       ``(3) Fast neutron.--The term `fast neutron' means a 
     neutron with kinetic energy above 100 kiloelectron volts.
       ``(4) National laboratory.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the term `National Laboratory' has the meaning given the term 
     in section 2.
       ``(B) Limitation.--With respect to the Lawrence Livermore 
     National Laboratory, the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and 
     the Sandia National Laboratories, the term `National 
     Laboratory' means only the civilian activities of the 
     laboratory.
       ``(5) Neutron flux.--The term `neutron flux' means the 
     intensity of neutron radiation measured as a rate of flow of 
     neutrons applied over an area.
       ``(6) Neutron source.--The term `neutron source' means a 
     research machine that provides neutron irradiation services 
     for--
       ``(A) research on materials sciences and nuclear physics; 
     and
       ``(B) testing of advanced materials, nuclear fuels, and 
     other related components for reactor systems.''.
       (b) Nuclear Energy Research Programs.--
       (1) In general.--Section 952 of the Energy Policy Act of 
     2005 (42 U.S.C. 16272) is amended--
       (A) by striking subsection (c); and
       (B) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections 
     (c) and (d), respectively.
       (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 641(b)(1) of the Energy 
     Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16021(b)(1)) is amended by 
     striking ``section 942(d)'' and inserting ``section 952(c)''.
       (c) Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative.--Section 953(a) of the 
     Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16273(a)) is amended by 
     striking ``, acting through the Director of the Office of 
     Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology,''.
       (d) University Nuclear Science and Engineering Support.--
     Section 954(d)(4) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 
     16274(d)(4)) is amended by striking ``as part of a taking 
     into consideration effort that emphasizes'' and inserting 
     ``that emphasize''.
       (e) Department of Energy Civilian Nuclear Infrastructure 
     and Facilities.--Section 955 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 
     (42 U.S.C. 16275) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (c) and (d); and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Versatile Neutron Source.--
       ``(1) Mission need.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than December 31, 2017, the 
     Secretary shall determine the mission need for a versatile 
     reactor-based fast neutron source, which shall operate as a 
     national user facility.
       ``(B) Consultations required.--In carrying out subparagraph 
     (A), the Secretary shall consult with the private sector, 
     institutions of higher education, the National Laboratories, 
     and relevant Federal agencies to ensure that the user 
     facility described in subparagraph (A) will meet the research 
     needs of the largest practicable majority of prospective 
     users.
       ``(2) Establishment.--As soon as practicable after 
     determining the mission need under paragraph (1)(A), the 
     Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a detailed plan for the establishment of the user 
     facility.
       ``(3) Facility requirements.--
       ``(A) Capabilities.--The Secretary shall ensure that the 
     user facility will provide, at a minimum, the following 
     capabilities:
       ``(i) Fast neutron spectrum irradiation capability.
       ``(ii) Capacity for upgrades to accommodate new or expanded 
     research needs.
       ``(B) Considerations.--In carrying out the plan submitted 
     under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall consider the 
     following:
       ``(i) Capabilities that support experimental high-
     temperature testing.
       ``(ii) Providing a source of fast neutrons at a neutron 
     flux, higher than that at which current research facilities 
     operate, sufficient to enable research for an optimal base of 
     prospective users.
       ``(iii) Maximizing irradiation flexibility and irradiation 
     volume to accommodate as many concurrent users as possible.
       ``(iv) Capabilities for irradiation with neutrons of a 
     lower energy spectrum.
       ``(v) Multiple loops for fuels and materials testing in 
     different coolants.
       ``(vi) Additional pre-irradiation and post-irradiation 
     examination capabilities.
       ``(vii) Lifetime operating costs and lifecycle costs.
       ``(4) Deadline for establishment.--The Secretary shall, to 
     the maximum extent practicable, complete construction of, and 
     approve the start of operations for, the user facility by not 
     later than December 31, 2025.
       ``(5) Reporting.--The Secretary shall include in the annual 
     budget request of the Department an explanation for any delay 
     in the progress of the Department in completing the user 
     facility by the deadline described in paragraph (4).
       ``(6) Coordination.--The Secretary shall leverage the best 
     practices for management, construction, and operation of 
     national user facilities from the Office of Science.''.
       (f) Security of Nuclear Facilities.--Section 956 of the 
     Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16276) is amended by 
     striking ``, acting through the Director of the Office of 
     Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology,''.
       (g) High-Performance Computation and Supportive Research.--
     Section 957 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 
     16277) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 957. HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTATION AND SUPPORTIVE 
                   RESEARCH.

       ``(a) Modeling and Simulation.--The Secretary shall carry 
     out a program to enhance the capabilities of the United 
     States to develop new reactor technologies through high-
     performance computation modeling and simulation techniques.
       ``(b) Coordination.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall coordinate with relevant 
     Federal agencies as described by the National Strategic 
     Computing Initiative established by Executive Order 13702 (80 
     Fed. Reg. 46177 (July 29, 2015)), while taking into account 
     the following objectives:
       ``(1) Using expertise from the private sector, institutions 
     of higher education, and the National Laboratories to develop 
     computational software and capabilities that prospective 
     users may access to accelerate research and development of 
     advanced nuclear reactor systems and reactor systems for 
     space exploration.
       ``(2) Developing computational tools to simulate and 
     predict nuclear phenomena that may be validated through 
     physical experimentation.
       ``(3) Increasing the utility of the research infrastructure 
     of the Department by coordinating with the Advanced 
     Scientific Computing Research program within the Office of 
     Science.
       ``(4) Leveraging experience from the Energy Innovation Hub 
     for Modeling and Simulation.
       ``(5) Ensuring that new experimental and computational 
     tools are accessible to relevant research communities, 
     including private sector entities engaged in nuclear energy 
     technology development.
       ``(c) Supportive Research Activities.--The Secretary shall 
     consider support for additional research activities to 
     maximize the utility of the research facilities of the 
     Department, including physical processes--
       ``(1) to simulate degradation of materials and behavior of 
     fuel forms; and
       ``(2) for validation of computational tools.''.
       (h) Enabling Nuclear Energy Innovation.--Subtitle E of 
     title IX of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271 et 
     seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 958. ENABLING NUCLEAR ENERGY INNOVATION.

       ``(a) National Reactor Innovation Center.--There is 
     authorized a program to enable the testing and demonstration 
     of reactor concepts to be proposed and funded, in whole or in 
     part, by the private sector.
       ``(b) Technical Expertise.--In carrying out the program 
     under subsection (a), the Secretary shall leverage the 
     technical expertise of relevant Federal agencies and the 
     National Laboratories in order to minimize the time required 
     to enable construction and operation of privately funded 
     experimental reactors at National Laboratories or other 
     Department-owned sites.
       ``(c) Objectives.--The reactors described in subsection (b) 
     shall operate to meet the following objectives:
       ``(1) Enabling physical validation of advanced nuclear 
     reactor concepts.
       ``(2) Resolving technical uncertainty and increasing 
     practical knowledge relevant to

[[Page H8237]]

     safety, resilience, security, and functionality of advanced 
     nuclear reactor concepts.
       ``(3) General research and development to improve nascent 
     technologies.
       ``(d) Sharing Technical Expertise.--In carrying out the 
     program under subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into a 
     memorandum of understanding with the Chairman of the 
     Commission in order to share technical expertise and 
     knowledge through--
       ``(1) enabling the testing and demonstration of advanced 
     nuclear reactor concepts to be proposed and funded, in whole 
     or in part, by the private sector;
       ``(2) operating a database to store and share data and 
     knowledge relevant to nuclear science and engineering between 
     Federal agencies and the private sector;
       ``(3) developing and testing electric and nonelectric 
     integration and energy conversion systems relevant to 
     advanced nuclear reactors;
       ``(4) leveraging expertise from the Commission with respect 
     to safety analysis; and
       ``(5) enabling technical staff of the Commission to 
     actively observe and learn about technologies developed under 
     the program.
       ``(e) Agency Coordination.--The Chairman of the Commission 
     and the Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of 
     understanding regarding the following:
       ``(1) Ensuring that--
       ``(A) the Department has sufficient technical expertise to 
     support the timely research, development, demonstration, and 
     commercial application by the civilian nuclear industry of 
     safe and innovative advanced nuclear reactor technology; and
       ``(B) the Commission has sufficient technical expertise to 
     support the evaluation of applications for licenses, permits, 
     and design certifications and other requests for regulatory 
     approval for advanced nuclear reactors.
       ``(2) The use of computers and software codes to calculate 
     the behavior and performance of advanced nuclear reactors 
     based on mathematical models of the physical behavior of 
     advanced nuclear reactors.
       ``(3) Ensuring that--
       ``(A) the Department maintains and develops the facilities 
     necessary to enable the timely research, development, 
     demonstration, and commercial application by the civilian 
     nuclear industry of safe and innovative reactor technology; 
     and
       ``(B) the Commission has access to the facilities described 
     in subparagraph (A), as needed.
       ``(f) Reporting Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities 
     Act of 2017, the Secretary, in consultation with the National 
     Laboratories, relevant Federal agencies, and other 
     stakeholders, shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report assessing the capabilities of the 
     Department to authorize, host, and oversee privately funded 
     experimental advanced nuclear reactors as described in 
     subsection (b).
       ``(2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall address--
       ``(A) the safety review and oversight capabilities of the 
     Department, including options to leverage expertise from the 
     Commission and the National Laboratories;
       ``(B) options to regulate privately proposed and funded 
     experimental reactors hosted by the Department;
       ``(C) potential sites capable of hosting privately funded 
     experimental advanced nuclear reactors;
       ``(D) the efficacy of the available contractual mechanisms 
     of the Department to partner with the private sector and 
     Federal agencies, including cooperative research and 
     development agreements, strategic partnership projects, and 
     agreements for commercializing technology;
       ``(E) the liability of the Federal Government with respect 
     to the disposal of low-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear 
     fuel, or high-level radioactive waste (as those terms are 
     defined in section 2 of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 
     (42 U.S.C. 10101));
       ``(F) the impact on the aggregate inventory in the United 
     States of low-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, or 
     high-level radioactive waste (as those terms are defined in 
     section 2 of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C. 
     10101));
       ``(G) potential cost structures relating to physical 
     security, decommissioning, liability, and other long-term 
     project costs; and
       ``(H) other challenges or considerations identified by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(3) Updates.--Once every 2 years, the Secretary shall 
     update relevant provisions of the report submitted under 
     paragraph (1) and submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress the update.
       ``(g) Savings Clauses.--
       ``(1) Licensing requirement.--Nothing in this section 
     authorizes the Secretary or any person to construct or 
     operate a nuclear reactor for the purpose of demonstrating 
     the suitability for commercial application of the nuclear 
     reactor unless licensed by the Commission in accordance with 
     section 202 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 
     U.S.C. 5842).
       ``(2) Financial protection.--Any activity carried out under 
     this section that involves the risk of public liability shall 
     be subject to the financial protection or indemnification 
     requirements of section 170 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 
     (42 U.S.C. 2210) (commonly known as the `Price-Anderson 
     Act').''.
       (i) Budget Plan.--Subtitle E of title IX of the Energy 
     Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271 et seq.) (as amended by 
     subsection (h)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 959. BUDGET PLAN.

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act 
     of 2017, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
     Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives 2 alternative 10-year budget plans for 
     civilian nuclear energy research and development by the 
     Secretary, as described in subsections (b) through (d).
       ``(b) Budget Plan Alternative 1.--One of the budget plans 
     submitted under subsection (a) shall assume constant annual 
     funding for 10 years at the appropriated level for the 
     civilian nuclear energy research and development of the 
     Department for fiscal year 2016.
       ``(c) Budget Plan Alternative 2.--One of the budget plans 
     submitted under subsection (a) shall be an unconstrained 
     budget.
       ``(d) Inclusions.--Each alternative budget plan submitted 
     under subsection (a) shall include--
       ``(1) a prioritized list of the programs, projects, and 
     activities of the Department to best support the development 
     of advanced nuclear reactor technologies;
       ``(2) realistic budget requirements for the Department to 
     implement sections 955(c), 957, and 958; and
       ``(3) the justification of the Department for continuing or 
     terminating existing civilian nuclear energy research and 
     development programs.''.
       (j) Report on Fusion Innovation.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall submit 
     to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives a report identifying engineering 
     designs for innovative fusion energy systems that have the 
     potential to demonstrate net energy production not later than 
     15 years after the start of construction.
       (2) Inclusions.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall identify budgetary requirements that would be necessary 
     for the Department of Energy to carry out a fusion innovation 
     initiative to accelerate research and development of the 
     engineering designs identified in the report.
       (k) Conforming Amendments.--The table of contents for the 
     Energy Policy Act of 2005 is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 957 and inserting the following:

``957. High-performance computation and supportive research.
``958. Enabling nuclear energy innovation.
``959. Budget plan.''.

     SEC. 3. ADVANCED NUCLEAR ENERGY LICENSING COST-SHARE GRANT 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Nuclear 
     Regulatory Commission.
       (2) Program.--The term ``program'' means the Advanced 
     Nuclear Energy Cost-Share Grant Program established under 
     subsection (b).
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Energy.
       (b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a grant 
     program, to be known as the ``Advanced Nuclear Energy Cost-
     Share Grant Program'', under which the Secretary shall make 
     cost-share grants to applicants for the purpose of funding a 
     portion of the Commission fees of the applicant for pre-
     application review activities and application review 
     activities.
       (c) Requirement.--The Secretary shall seek out technology 
     diversity in making grants under the program.
       (d) Cost-Share Amount.--The Secretary shall determine the 
     cost-share amount for each grant under the program in 
     accordance with section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 
     (42 U.S.C. 16352).
       (e) Use of Funds.--A recipient of a grant under the program 
     may use the grant funds to cover Commission fees, including 
     those fees associated with--
       (1) developing a licensing project plan;
       (2) obtaining a statement of licensing feasibility;
       (3) reviewing topical reports; and
       (4) other--
       (A) pre-application review activities;
       (B) application review activities; and
       (C) interactions with the Commission.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Weber) and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice 
Johnson) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.


                             General Leave

  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on S. 97, the bill now under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today, Mr. Speaker, in support of S. 97, the Nuclear Energy 
Innovation Capabilities Act. I want to thank Senator Crapo, Senator 
Whitehouse, Senator Murkowski, and Senator Booker,

[[Page H8238]]

as well as Ranking Member Johnson and Chairman Smith for cosponsoring 
this important legislation, and for their years of leadership in 
advocating for nuclear energy research and development.
  Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside my 
Senate counterparts to prioritize fundamental research that will 
support nuclear innovation and keep America safe, independent, and most 
importantly, globally competitive.
  I also want to thank my colleagues on the Science, Space, and 
Technology Committee who have worked alongside of me with advancing 
this legislation.
  The Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, which I introduced in 
the 114th Congress and the 115th Congress, provides updated statutory 
direction to the Department of Energy's nuclear research activities to 
ensure that fundamental research is prioritized and precious resources 
are not wasted.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill lays out a clear set of parameters and a 
definite timeline for DOE to complete an advanced research reactor 
facility, which is a crucial part of ensuring innovative materials and 
nuclear fuels R&D can take place right here in the United States 
instead of overseas.
  While modeling and simulation can accelerate R&D, nuclear energy 
research must be validated through direct experimentation in the lab. 
This type of research requires access to a source of fast neutrons, and 
today, these are only available for civilian research in Russia.
  The versatile neutron source authorized in this bill will provide the 
United States with this vital capability. S. 97 also directs DOE to 
partner with industry to construct and operate reactor prototypes at 
DOE national labs.
  Mr. Speaker, our national labs provide a very unique environment that 
safely allows for creative testing and development for advanced nuclear 
technology without a burdensome regulatory process that can slow 
progress to a crawl. In order to maintain our nuclear capabilities, the 
United States must continue developing cutting-edge technology right 
here at home.
  Without the direction provided in this bill, Mr. Speaker, we will 
continue to rely on foreign research. We will fall further and further 
behind. We will lose the ability to develop innovative nuclear 
technology and be left importing next-generation reactor designs from 
overseas. This is unacceptable.
  S. 97 will maintain America's ability to influence security and 
proliferation standards around the world as more developing nations 
look to nuclear energy to grow their economies.
  The language in this bill is the product of many Science, Space, and 
Technology Committee engagements with relevant stakeholders and nuclear 
research and development.
  Mr. Speaker, last Congress this language passed the House three times 
as a standalone bill, with the House amendment to S. 2012 and in the 
NDAA, each with overwhelming bipartisan support.
  This language also has a history of strong support in the Senate. It 
passed as an amendment in the Senate during the 114th Congress and 
again as a standalone bill this Congress.
  S. 97 is vital to ensure that this important research and development 
is carried out. We cannot afford to miss the economic opportunity 
provided by next-generation nuclear technology.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 
97, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support S. 97, the Nuclear Energy 
Innovation Capabilities Act.
  It is the Senate companion to H.R. 431, which I am very pleased to 
cosponsor. Today, nuclear power plays a vital role in providing our 
country with clean, reliable energy. I happen to be one of those who 
live in an area where we have nuclear energy.
  Looking toward the future, one of my top priorities is preventing and 
mitigating the potentially devastating impacts of climate change. I 
believe that this clean energy resource can and should play a key role 
in our efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of our electricity 
sector. But there currently are technical, economic, and policy 
challenges that prevent nuclear energy from playing a larger role in 
enabling our clean energy future.
  The Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act takes several positive 
steps to address these challenges. Implementing the provisions of this 
bill will help accelerate the development of advanced nuclear energy 
technologies that are safer, less expensive, more efficient, and 
produce less waste than the current generation of nuclear reactors.
  I hope it will also help ensure a brighter future for the U.S. 
nuclear energy industry. I would like to express my appreciation for 
the process we followed to put this bill together. Majority and 
minority staff in both the House and Senate worked closely together, 
from engaging stakeholders, through crafting and incorporating 
suggested changes to the bill language.
  This is a great example of what we can achieve when we leave politics 
at the door and look for common ground to address challenges facing our 
Nation's research enterprise.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the great 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Weber) for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, S. 97, the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, 
directs the Department of Energy to enable the American nuclear power 
industry to conduct civilian nuclear energy research and development 
that will advance our leadership in nuclear technology.
  While we are considering the Senate version of this bill today, I 
would like to credit the author of the original legislation, Energy 
Subcommittee Chairman Randy Weber, his primary cosponsors, and Science, 
Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson 
for their years of leadership on this issue.
  The originating Science, Space, and Technology Committee legislation 
was developed over 4 years of collaboration, including hearings, 
coordination with DOE and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and 
countless meetings with stakeholders. Every effort has been made to 
ensure this legislation will provide the resources necessary to more 
effectively and efficiently develop the next generation of nuclear 
power.
  Advanced nuclear energy technology is the best way to make reliable, 
safe, and emission-free electricity available throughout the modern and 
developing world. The legislation authorizes the research facilities 
and infrastructure necessary to help development of new, advanced 
nuclear reactors here at home, maintaining American leadership in the 
global nuclear technology sector.
  This technological edge allows us to better influence global 
nonproliferation standards and prevent civilian nuclear energy 
technology from being misused for weapons development overseas. S. 97 
directs DOE to develop plans for long-term research and authorizes 
critical infrastructure at the DOE national labs. This includes 
leveraging DOE state-of-the-art super computers to accelerate the 
theoretical development of advanced reactors.
  The bill also authorizes construction of a research reactor at a DOE 
site. This research reactor will provide access to the fast neutrons 
necessary to develop advanced nuclear reactors. By investing in 
research infrastructure, DOE can maximize the impact of Federal 
research dollars and facilitate the development of a wide variety of 
nuclear technologies.
  Finally, S. 97 creates a reliable mechanism for the private sector to 
partner with DOE labs to build DOE-certified prototype reactors at DOE 
sites. While the Science, Space, and Technology Committee has heard 
from dozens of companies with innovative reactor designs, the ability 
to move new nuclear technology to the market has been stalled by 
government approval and licensing red tape.
  S. 97 provides an alternative pathway for these nuclear 
entrepreneurs. The safe development of advanced nuclear technology at 
DOE sites will provide access to DOE resources and expertise, and fast 
track the commercial regulatory process by involving nuclear reactors 
at the earliest stages of prototype design and construction.

[[Page H8239]]

  Nuclear power has been a proven source of safe and emission-free 
electricity for over half a century. By enacting this legislation and 
investing in the capabilities needed by the private sector to develop 
advanced reactors, we can build on the history of American leadership 
in nuclear power and reduce emissions around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Weber and Ranking Member 
Johnson for their work on this bill, as well as our Senate colleagues, 
including Senator Mike Crapo, Senator Jim Risch, Senator Lisa 
Murkowski, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and Senator Cory Booker for 
leading the effort to pass this bill through the Senate.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support and clear 
this legislation for President Trump's approval.

                              {time}  1445

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  S. 97 is vital to ensuring America's leadership in nuclear research 
and development. By harnessing the expertise and unique capabilities of 
our Nation's national labs, universities, and entrepreneurs, American 
industry can take the lead in developing groundbreaking advanced 
nuclear technology for the next generation.
  I especially thank my colleagues in the Senate and on the Science, 
Space, and Technology Committee who have worked hard to get this 
legislation passed: Senators Crapo, Whitehouse, Murkowski, and Booker, 
and, of course, Ranking Member Johnson and Chairman Smith, as well as 
my other colleagues. I also thank the dozens of researchers and 
stakeholders who provided critical feedback over the past several years 
as we have been developing this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this commonsense, bipartisan 
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber) that the House suspend the rules and 
pass the bill, S. 97.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________