Miller-Meeks, Energy Secretary Spotlight One Big Beautiful Bill, Critical Materials and U.S. Energy Security
IOWA - U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) today welcomed U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to the Ames National Laboratory to highlight Iowa’s role in advancing American energy dominance, strengthening national security, and leading in materials science innovation. Secretary Wright was joined by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), U.S. Representative Bob Latta (OH-05), U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman (AR-04), and U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson (IA-02).
“It was a privilege to welcome Secretary Chris Wright to Ames National Laboratory and showcase the groundbreaking research being led right here in Iowa,” said Miller-Meeks. “Secretary Wright’s leadership at the Department of Energy is critical to advancing President Trump’s bold agenda to unleash American energy and restore our energy dominance. From critical materials to AI-driven chemistry and clean energy innovation, the work at Ames is vital to reducing dependence on foreign supply chains and powering America’s future. I’m proud to support the mission of Ames Lab and will continue working in Congress to ensure our National Labs have the tools they need to drive innovation and strengthen our national security.”
During the visit, the delegation received briefings from scientists and toured key research facilities, including the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, a Department of Energy Innovation Hub led by Ames National Laboratory. The Hub is spearheading efforts to secure domestic supply chains, reduce reliance on foreign actors, restore American energy dominance, and expand U.S. scientific capabilities.
“Ames National Laboratory is leading the way in groundbreaking science and innovation that will strengthen America’s energy future,” said Secretary Wright. “By investing in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, and AI, we are building more secure domestic supply chains, bolstering America’s national security and increasing access to affordable, reliable energy for all Americans. These bold steps position the U.S. not just to compete, but to lead, for generations to come.”
“Secretary Wright is the fourth cabinet official to visit Iowa this week and it is an absolute breath of fresh air how accessible the Trump administration is compared to the previous four years,” said Senator Ernst. “America's national labs are not just critical to technological advancement but also national security. The Ames National Lab is a hub of innovation and will help ensure that our nation has the energy and critical materials to power the AI revolution.”
“As Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I appreciated the opportunity to visit Ames National Laboratory with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Senator Joni Ernst, Congressman Bruce Westerman, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson to see their cutting-edge research in materials science to breakthroughs in critical materials and energy innovation,” said Rep. Latta. “Our National Laboratories, like Ames, power American innovation and will play a key role in advancing President Trump’s agenda for American energy dominance and global competitiveness.”
“Our DOE Laboratories are working on the cutting edge of research to create new materials and help advance American energy dominance,” said Rep. Westerman. “Coupled with meaningful bipartisan permitting reform, the research from these innovative Labs will ensure America is positioned to unleash the full potential of our natural resources and domestic energy production.”
“I was thrilled to welcome Secretary Wright to Iowa and the Ames National Laboratory to highlight Iowa’s continued role in America’s energy dominance,” said Rep. Hinson. “I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to pursue an all-of-the-above and all-of-the-below energy strategy that supports American producers, consumers, and farmers.”
“We are delighted to host Energy Secretary Wright today at Ames National Laboratory,” said Ames National Laboratory Director Karl Mueller. “Our research capabilities and our people are an integral part of the national laboratory system and the Department of Energy mission.”