[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 7, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S54]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RMEMBERING DAVID BLEE

  Mr. RISCH. Madam President, I wish to commemorate the life of David 
Blee, who tragically passed away on December 29, 2019, at the age of 
66. David was the founder and president of the United States Nuclear 
Industry Council, USNIC. During his long and distinguished career in 
the nuclear industry, David concentrated on nuclear supply chain and 
reactor technology and actively worked to increase support for nuclear 
power in the United States and abroad. David also worked with the 
National Laboratories, including Idaho National Laboratory, often 
running conferences in conjunction with them. At the time of his 
passing, David held an appointment to the U.S. Department of Commerce's 
Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee, CINTAC, an achievement that 
spoke to his incredible expertise.
  David graduated from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania with a degree 
in economics, but he soon began working in politics and public service. 
After managing several political campaigns, David became chief of staff 
to former Representative and Senator Connie Mack while Mack served in 
the House of Representatives. David then served as a Deputy Assistant 
Secretary and, later, Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. 
Department of Energy during the Reagan administration. He also served 
as the executive vice president for NAC International, a U.S.-based 
energy services and technology company, where he directed the company's 
worldwide consulting group and marketing and business development 
portfolios.
  One of David's best attributes was his ability to work with people 
and bring organizations together. Composed of over 80 companies, USNIC 
represents the ``who's who'' of the nuclear energy supply chain, 
including technology developers, fuel cycle companies, and others that 
demonstrate the importance of maintaining the nuclear industry. These 
companies working in conjunction would not have been possible without 
the dedicated effort of David Blee. In July of last year, I was honored 
to be presented with the U.S. Nuclear Energy Distinguished Leadership 
Award by USNIC. The coalition of groups attending that award ceremony 
personified the great unifying effect that David had on the nuclear 
industry. He was a leader and a motivator, and his advocacy for the 
nuclear industry will be remembered. I am grateful for the work that he 
completed during his lifetime and his lasting legacy as a respected 
leader in the nuclear field.

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