Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of H.R. 6544, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act. The bipartisan legislation, led by Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-CO), will encourage and support advancements in nuclear energy by modernizing and improving the current processes at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. 

“I urge support of the Atomic Energy Advancement Act.”

“I rise in strong support of this legislation, H.R. 6544, the ‘Atomic Energy Advancement Act.’ 

“We have worked very hard, and most agree that a robust and growing nuclear industry is critical for reducing emissions, providing reliable, affordable, clean energy to Americans. 

“Nuclear energy can help us build durable economic and strategic relationships around the world, especially as the influence of China and Russia in this industry grows.   

“We know our allies are eager for American leadership and technology, and our nuclear industry is ready to lead.  

“The Energy and Commerce Committee has a rich history of plowing the hard ground necessary to legislate and coming together on solutions that improve people’s lives and make our country stronger and prosperous. 

“H.R. 6544 continues that leadership, and I’m grateful for the leadership of the Chairman of the Subcommittee, Jeff Duncan, as well as the Ranking Member, Diana DeGette, and the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Frank Pallone, for working together so we can move this legislation forward and help maintain a robust and growing nuclear industry, which is vital to delivering reliable, affordable, and clean energy to all Americans.  

 “This much needed modernization of our regulatory framework will restore America’s nuclear dominance, encourage innovation, enable industry to deploy safe, reliable nuclear energy, and usher in a new era of U.S. energy leadership.