Government Shutdown Stalls Critical Nuclear Fuel Research

Washington, D.C.—Today, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) issued the following statement from Ted Ellis, Campaign Director of Power America and Deputy Director of Energy and Environment, regarding the government shutdown’s impact on advanced nuclear fuel development:

“America’s nuclear future is being put on hold. Because of the government shutdown, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has paused work on critical infrastructure development—including efforts to advance High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), the next-generation nuclear fuel needed to power advanced reactors and help secure U.S. energy independence.

Without continued progress on HALEU, the U.S. risks falling behind competitors like China and Russia, who are forging ahead with advanced nuclear technology. These fuels are essential to ensuring reliable, affordable energy and powering the technologies of tomorrow, from revived American manufacturing to artificial intelligence.

It’s a shame that the NRC isn’t doing this work—especially when American innovators are ready to move forward. Meanwhile, the government remains closed because of the radical push for taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal aliens. They need to reopen the government and put the American people first.”