Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016

Floor Speech

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Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Madam Chairman, I would like to thank the
Appropriations Committee and the chairman for acting to impose greater
discipline on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

We know that the future of nuclear power in the United States depends
on having a credible nuclear safety regulator and depends on the
industry continuing to perform at a high level of safety. We feel
strongly that the agency must continue its core mission of protecting
the public health and safety, but the NRC must do so in a manner that
does not add to the economic headwinds that the industry faces.

Thanks to the scientific breakthroughs and renewed interest in
nuclear energy, our Nation has an incredible opportunity to develop new
sources of power that can provide affordable and reliable energy. I
hope that the NRC can work with industry to seize these opportunities,
while fulfilling its mission to ensure public safety.

I support the committee's direction to require the NRC's rulemaking
process to be commission-driven in order to provide greater discipline,
transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

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