Dear Chairmen Cochran and Frelinghuysen and Ranking Members Leahy and Lowey,
Accelerating innovation and increasing American competitiveness are two goals that have always enjoyed broad-based support. This consensus has been sustained by an understanding that innovation has been a driving force behind American prosperity for decades. As Congress deliberates how to balance competing priorities during the FY 2018 budget and appropriations process, it is our hope that the budget resolution and subsequent allocations enable the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittees to invest in America’s economic and energy future by funding vital programs in energy research and development at the Department of Energy (DOE).