More than a dozen energy research and development measures are awaiting discussion in the House of Representatives, and the House Science, Space and Technology Committee should make them a priority this fall, wrote the American Chemistry Council and more than 40 other groups in a letter on Monday. "We stand with every American seeking a cleaner environment and stronger economy, and we know that by working together we can forge solutions that deliver on our responsibility to leave the world a better place for generations to come," they wrote.

Idaho National Laboratory director Mark Peters told the House Environment, Energy and Technology Committee that the 1995 agreement between the Energy Department and Idaho should be extended. Peters said the 2035 deadline to remove all nuclear waste from the state could stop nuclear research.

House Science, Space and Technology Committee members Dan Lipinski, D-Ill., Bill Posey, R-Fla., Randy Weber, R-Texas, and Brian Babin, R-Texas, have introduced a bill that directs the Department of Energy to coordinate with other federal agencies to research the health effects of low dose ionizing radiation exposure. The Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2019 would benefit workers in a variety of fields, including future space travelers.

In testimony before the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, Energy Secretary Rick Perry said Saudi Arabia should agree to a nuclear cooperation deal with the US to show its dedication to using nuclear technology responsibly. "If they don't, the message will be clear to the rest of the world that the kingdom is not as concerned about being leaders when it comes to nonproliferation in the Middle East," Perry said.