H.R. 5544, the Low-Dose Radiation Research Act
November 17, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss H.R. 5544, the Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2014. This bill authorizes an important research program carried out by the Department of Energy's Office of Science to examine the health impacts of exposure to low doses of radiation, such as doses resulting from certain medical tests, nuclear waste cleanup activities, or even terrorism events like dirty bombs.
This bill builds on DOE’s unique biological research expertise and capabilities, which actually led to the establishment of the successful Human Genome Project that paved the way toward breakthroughs in modern medicine today.
Mr. Speaker, the bill also authorizes a National Academies study to identify current scientific challenges in this area and to help guide the program’s long-term research agenda well into the next decade.
In fact, Mr. Speaker, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2014, cosponsored by every Democratic member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, includes very similar language to what we now see in H.R. 5544, so we have no objection to this bill and support its passage.
We also look forward to working with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle – and, of course, on the other side of the Capitol – on far more comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the America COMPETES Act, as is strongly recommended by many of the most respected industry and academic leaders and organizations across the country.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Georgia for his leadership and for his service in the Congress, and of course, we wish him well as that term comes to an end.
I yield back the balance of my time.