WASHINGTON—The House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this advancement and secured critical funding for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This bill champions America’s nuclear deterrent and strengthens national security, restores energy dominance, and supports the Trump administration’s policy initiatives.

“America’s one-of-a-kind nuclear energy laboratory is right here at home at Idaho National Laboratory. Enhancing the Lab’s infrastructure and growing research and development are investments in both energy and national security. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been proud to support INL's efforts to advance our nation's nuclear technology. Fighting for these priorities and securing federal funding would not have been possible without the appropriations process. As Idaho’s only appropriator, I will always fight for priorities that serve our state and national interests,” said Rep. Simpson.  

“Nuclear energy continues to gain bipartisan momentum across the country, and we are grateful for Congress's sustained commitment to advancing America's nuclear leadership,” said Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner. "We especially thank Representative Mike Simpson for his continued championship of INL and the broader nuclear enterprise. His leadership ensures the laboratory remains equipped to deliver the research, testing, and demonstration capabilities the nation needs as nuclear deployment accelerates.”

Highlights of the bill include:

• $392M for INL infrastructure and operations.
• $40M for INL’s Microreactor Application Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) project.
• $65M for the National Reactor Innovation Center.
• $19M for the Center for Used Fuel Research at INL.
• Funding for a variety of advanced reactor construction and demonstrations.
• Funding for further research and development of advanced Tri-structural Isotropic (TRISO) and High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) reactor fuel.

This funding package will now go to the full floor of the House of Representatives for further consideration