Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, February 13, 2018, Congressman Randy Weber’s Nuclear Energy Research Infrastructure Act (H.R. 4378) passed the House. The bill was introduced in November 2017. Following the bill’s passage, Congressman Weber (R - Friendswood) and Science, Space, and Technology Chairman Lamar Smith (R – San Antonio) released the following statements:

“America is a land of opportunity, innovation, and advancement. This research reactor, a Versatile Neutron Source, is critical for the development of advanced reactor designs, materials, and nuclear fuels. This type of research requires access to fast neutrons, which are currently only available for civilian research in Russia,” said Congressman Weber. “Nuclear energy research is an area with plenty of room for development. I am excited for the discoveries to come from our investment in stronger nuclear research infrastructure. Many thanks to the Science Committee, Leadership, and my colleagues for their support of this bill."

“The United States leads the world in nuclear science and technology, and the Nuclear Energy Research Infrastructure Act ensures our leadership will last for decades to come. This bill provides for the construction of the Versatile Neutron Source, a research reactor that will enable scientists and private sector innovators to conduct otherwise impossible experiments to develop next-generation materials and fuels for advanced nuclear reactor technology,” said Chairman Smith. “I look forward to the innovations this legislation will unleash, and I appreciate my fellow Texan’s initiative on this critical initiative.”


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