Heinrich, Udall Introduce Bill To Boost Funding For Laboratory Directed Research And Development Program

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) introduced S.830, the LDRD Enhancement Act of 2015, a bill to increase the maximum percentage each laboratory director may set aside for Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) from 6 to 10 percent of the lab's budget. The U.S. Department of Energy's discretionary LDRD program advances the frontiers of science and engineering, invests in critical national security missions, and helps recruit and retain staff for national laboratories.

"This bill supports the national security missions at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories, while allowing scientists and engineers to pursue solutions to some of our nation's most pressing energy, security, and environmental challenges," Sen. Heinrich said. "The LDRD program is a powerful recruitment tool that attracts and retains some of the brightest minds from across the country. The program also fosters collaboration between our labs and small businesses that often results in innovative products, spinoff ideas, and new jobs."

"Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories produce some of the most innovative research and technology in the country while providing a crucial foundation for New Mexico's economy," Sen. Udall said. "Encouraging investment in laboratory-directed research and development will open up more opportunities for high-risk innovation in energy and national security, attracting top scientific talent to New Mexico and ensuring our labs stay strong well into the future."

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