H.R. 4496: Restore and Modernize Our National Laboratories Act of 2025

This bill, titled the "Restore and Modernize Our National Laboratories Act of 2025," aims to provide funding for the restoration and modernization of National Laboratories in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of its major components:

Funding for Restoration and Modernization

The bill directs the Secretary of Energy to allocate funds for projects aimed at addressing the maintenance backlog, critical infrastructure updates, and overall modernization of National Laboratories. Some key elements include:

• Deferred Maintenance Projects: The Secretary will fund projects focused on critical maintenance and upgrades for existing facilities, including research labs, administrative buildings, utilities, and roads.
• Lab Modernization Projects: Funding will be used for projects that enhance existing laboratories to meet current and future scientific needs, improve operations, and ensure environmentally responsible practices.

Annual Budget Submissions

Each year, up to the fiscal year 2030, the Secretary is required to submit a list of funding projects along with their descriptions and budget profiles to Congress. This will ensure transparency in how the funds are used.

Authorization of Appropriations

The bill authorizes $5 billion in appropriations for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030, specifically dedicated to the restoration and modernization efforts. Moreover, it mandates that at least one-third of this amount be managed by the Office of Science within the Department of Energy.

Strategic Infrastructure Planning

The bill also calls for a comprehensive strategy regarding facilities and infrastructure at National Laboratories. Key aspects of this strategy include:

• Maintaining existing facilities
• Closing any unneeded facilities
• Modifications to existing facilities
• Constructing new facilities as required

Reporting Requirements

Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress that outlines the facility and infrastructure strategy, including:

• A priority list for proposed projects at National Laboratories
• A ten-year plan detailing the reconfiguration of laboratories and facilities
• Estimates of required funding and resources for the ten-year plan
• A description of the planning processes involved in infrastructure and facility management

Goal of the Bill

The overall goal of the legislation is to ensure that National Laboratories in the United States can efficiently support current scientific missions and be well-prepared for future needs through the restoration and modernization of infrastructure and facilities.

Relevant Companies

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