WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) applauded the Department of Energy’s commitment to distribute the next round of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to three U.S. reactors, including Abilene Christian University’s Molten Salt Research Reactor (MSRR), a critical step in advancing American energy security and supporting the next-generation nuclear technologies.
"Energy security is national security, and Abilene Christian University's Molten Salt Research Reactor is critical to making the future of nuclear energy more deployable, efficient, and safe,” said Chairman Arrington. “That’s why I’ve long-supported this innovative project and fought to make this reactor operational. This commitment from the Department of Energy to provide HALEU fuel to ACU is a critical step in achieving this goal, and I commend President Trump and Secretary Wright for this endorsement and their commitment to the future of nuclear energy and American energy dominance."
“Abilene Christian University is grateful to Secretary Wright and the Department of Energy for its leadership in advancing America’s nuclear energy future, and we deeply appreciate Congressman Arrington, Senator Cornyn, and Senator Cruz for their strong support,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, President of Abilene Christian University. “This investment not only strengthens our nation’s energy security but also expands opportunities for ACU students and faculty to engage in innovative research with global impact, while furthering the important work of our partners at Natura Resources.”
Background:
Abilene Christian University’s Molten Salt Research Reactor (MSRR) is the nation’s first university molten salt research reactor to receive a construction permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
MSRRs have the potential to be more deployable, produce significantly less nuclear waste, and be safer compared to traditional nuclear reactors.
In order for the ACU MSRR to become operational, it needs High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel and molten salt to be delivered to the facility.
Chairman Arrington secured language in the FY2026 Energy and Water Appropriations bill requiring DOE to consider advanced university research reactors in HALEU allocation decisions and has introduced an additional amendment to help the facility receive these resources.
Chairman Arrington also led his colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to the Department of Energy highlighting the importance of this project.
