79–006 

115TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 115–554 

LOW-DOSE RADIATION RESEARCH ACT OF 2017 

FEBRUARY 13, 2018.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State 

of the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. SMITH of Texas, from the Committee on Science, Space, and 

Technology, submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany H.R. 4675] 

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] 

The Committee Science, Space, and Technology, to whom was referred the bill (H.R. 4675) to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 

to provide for a low-dose radiation basic research program, having 

considered the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment 

and recommend that the bill as amended do pass. 

CONTENTS 

Page 

Committee Statement and Views ........................................................................... 3 

Section-by-Section .................................................................................................... 5 

Explanation of Amendments ................................................................................... 5 

Committee Consideration ........................................................................................ 6 

Application of Law to the Legislative Branch ....................................................... 6 

Statement of Oversight Findings and Recommendations of the Committee ...... 6 

Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives .................................... 6 

Duplication of Federal Programs ............................................................................ 6 

Disclosure of Directed Rule Makings ..................................................................... 6 

Federal Advisory Committee Act ............................................................................ 6 

Unfunded Mandate Statement ............................................................................... 6 

Earmark Identification ............................................................................................ 7 

Committee Estimate ................................................................................................ 7 

Budget Authority and Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate .................... 7 

Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill as Reported ...................................... 8 

The amendment is as follows: 

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2017’’. 

2 

SEC. 2. LOW-DOSE RADIATION RESEARCH PROGRAM. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle G of title IX of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 

16311 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 977 the following new section: 

‘‘SEC. 977A. LOW-DOSE RADIATION RESEARCH PROGRAM. 

‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall carry out a basic research program on lowdose radiation to— 

‘‘(1) enhance the scientific understanding of, and reduce uncertainties associated with, the effects of exposure to low-dose radiation; and 

‘‘(2) inform improved risk-assessment and risk-management methods with respect to such radiation. 

‘‘(b) PROGRAM COMPONENTS.—In carrying out the program required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— 

‘‘(1) formulate scientific goals for low-dose radiation basic research in the 

United States; 

‘‘(2) identify ongoing scientific challenges for understanding the long-term effects of ionizing radiation on biological systems; 

‘‘(3) develop a long-term strategic and prioritized basic research agenda to address such scientific challenges in coordination with other research efforts; 

‘‘(4) identify and, to the extent possible, quantify, potential monetary and 

health-related benefits to Federal agencies, the general public, industry, research communities, and other users of information produced by such research 

program; 

‘‘(5) leverage the collective body of knowledge from existing low-dose radiation 

research; and 

‘‘(6) engage with other Federal agencies, research communities, and potential 

users of information produced under this section, including institutions concerning radiation research, medical physics, radiology, health physics, and 

emergency response. 

‘‘(c) COORDINATION.—In carrying out the program, the Secretary, in coordination 

with the Physical Science Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology 

Council, shall— 

‘‘(1) support the directives under section 106 of the American Innovation and 

Competitiveness Act (42 U.S.C. 6601 note); 

‘‘(2) ensure that the Office of Science of the Department of Energy consults 

with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Defense, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Homeland 

Security; 

‘‘(3) advise and assist the National Science and Technology Council on policies 

and initiatives in radiation biology, including enhancing scientific knowledge of 

the effects of low-dose radiation on biological systems to improve radiation riskassessment and risk-management methods; and 

‘‘(4) identify opportunities to stimulate international cooperation relating to 

low-dose radiation and leverage research and knowledge from sources outside 

of the United States. 

‘‘(d) RESEARCH PLAN.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 

Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural 

Resources of the Senate a 4-year research plan that identifies and prioritizes basic 

research needs relating to low-dose radiation. In developing such plan, the Secretary 

shall incorporate the components described in subsection (b). 

‘‘(e) DEFINITION OF LOW-DOSE RADIATION.—In this section, the term ‘low-dose radiation’ means a radiation dose of less than 100 millisieverts. 

‘‘(f) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to subject 

any research carried out by the Secretary for the program under this section to any 

limitations described in 977(e) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16317(e)). 

‘‘(g) FUNDING.—For purposes of carrying out this section, the Secretary is authorized to make available from funds provided to the Biological and Environmental Research Program— 

‘‘(1) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2018; 

‘‘(2) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2019; 

‘‘(3) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; and 

‘‘(4) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2021.’’. 

(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of contents for subtitle G of title IX of 

the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is amended by inserting after the item relating to 

section 977 the following: 

‘‘Sec. 977A. Low-dose radiation research program.’’. 

3 

COMMITTEE STATEMENT AND VIEWS

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

The purpose of H.R. 4675, the ‘‘Low-Dose Radiation Research Act 

of 2017,’’ is to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out 

a basic research program on low dose radiation from the existing 

federal investment in basic research and fundamental scientific discovery by the DOE Office of Science. 

This bill authorizes a four-year program in the Biological and 

Environmental Research Program (BER) within the DOE Office of 

Science and directs the Department to develop both short and long 

term basic research plans to address significant challenges in low 

dose radiation research. H.R. 4675 also requires DOE to consult 

with interagency partners in developing a research program. 

BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION

Every day, humans are exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation, typically created by industrial activities, commercial processes, medical procedures, and naturally occurring sources. While 

existing data on nuclear bomb survivors and workers at nuclear 

contamination sites can be used to establish the impact of high 

doses of radiation on human health, there is currently insufficient 

data available to definitively determine the health effects of low 

doses of radiation. 

In the absence of this data, a linear no-threshold (LNT) model is 

used to describe the health risks for all levels of radiation exposure. In this application, the LNT model concludes that any exposure to ionizing radiation increases the risk of adverse health effects, no matter how small the exposure, and that there is no 

threshold below which exposure is considered safe. 

This restricted understanding of low-dose radiation health risk 

impairs our ability to appropriately address potential radiological 

events and medically-based radiation exposures, and may result in 

overly stringent standards. There is wide consensus among the 

radiobiology community that more research is necessary for physicians and related experts to make better informed decisions regarding the health risks associated with low doses of ionizing radiation. 

This consensus is referenced in the June 2005 publication of The 

National Academies Press titled, ‘‘Health Risks From Exposure to 

Low Levels of Ionizing Radiation: BEIR VII Phase 2,’’ and in the 

2012 publication of the National Council on Radiation Protection 

and Measurements titled, ‘‘Report No. 171—Uncertainties in the 

Estimation of Radiation Risks and Probability of Disease Causation.’’ 

DOE is the leading federal sponsor of research in the physical 

sciences, and from 1999 to 2016, the Department operated a leading low-dose radiation research program within BER. While uncertainties remain, the previous Administration closed the program in 

FY 2016. 

This legislation follows through on the assessment of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in their September 2017 publication titled, ‘‘Low Dose Radiation: Interagency Collaboration on 

Planning Research Could Improve Information on Health Effects,’’ 

which recommends that DOE lead the development of a mechanism 

4 

for interagency collaboration on research of health effects linked to 

exposure to low-dose radiation. 

Based on the recommendations provided in the GAO publication, 

as well as consistent feedback provided to this Committee by researchers and stakeholders in the radiation biology and medical 

communities, H.R. 4675 authorizes existing BER funds to re-start 

the low-dose radiation basic research program within the DOE Office of Science. 

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

On November 17, 2014, H.R. 5544, the Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2014, passed the House under suspension of the 

rules. 

On January 7, 2015, H.R. 35, the Low-Dose Radiation Research 

Act of 2015, passed the House under suspension of the rules. 

On May 13, 2015, the Energy Subcommittee held a hearing titled, ‘‘Nuclear Energy Innovation and the National Labs.’’ Witnesses were: Dr. Mark Peters, Associate Laboratory Director, Energy and Global Security, Argonne National Laboratory; Mr. Frank 

Batten, Jr., President, The Landmark Foundation; Mr. Nathan 

Gilliland, CEO, General Fusion; Dr. John Parmentola, Senior Vice 

President, Energy and Advanced Concepts, General Atomics. 

On March 22, 2016, the Committee held a hearing titled, ‘‘An 

Overview of the Budget Proposal for the Department of Energy for 

Fiscal Year 2017.’’ The witness was Dr. Ernest Moniz, U.S. Secretary of Energy. 

On September 21, 2016, the Oversight Subcommittee and the 

Energy Subcommittee held a joint hearing titled, ‘‘Examining Misconduct and Intimidation of Scientists by Senior DOE Officials.’’ 

Witnesses were: Dr. Sharlene Weatherwax, Associate Director, Biological and Environmental Research, U.S. Department of Energy; 

Dr. Noelle Metting, Radiation Biologist, U.S. Department of Energy. 

On January 6, 2017, S. 3084, the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, which includes authority for DOE to formulate 

scientific goals for future low-dose radiation research and to ensure 

coordination between Federal agencies for research in radiation biology, was signed into law (P.L. 114–329). 

On January 24, 2017, H.R. 589, the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act, which includes authority for a low-dose 

radiation research program within the DOE Office of Science, 

passed the House without amendment. 

On November 1, 2017, the Energy Subcommittee held a hearing 

titled, ‘‘The Future of Low Dose Radiation Research.’’ Witnesses 

were: Mr. John Neumann, Director of Science and Technology 

Issues, Government Accountability Office; Dr. Gayle Woloschak, 

Professor of Radiation Oncology and Radiology, Northwestern University; Dr. James Brink, Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical 

School, Radiologist-in-Chief, Massachusetts General Hospital. 

On December 18, 2017, Dr. Roger Marshall introduced H.R. 

4675, which was referred solely to the Committee. 

On January 10, 2018, the Committee on Science, Space, and 

Technology approved and ordered reported H.R. 4675 by voice vote. 

5 

COMMITTEE VIEWS

Low-Dose Radiation Research Program 

H.R. 4675 authorizes a four-year basic research program on lowdose radiation within BER. This legislation directs the Secretary of 

Energy to identify ongoing scientific challenges in low-dose radiation research and to develop a long-term basic research plan that 

addresses these challenges. The Secretary is also required to provide Congress with a four-year research plan that identifies and 

prioritizes basic research needs relating to low-dose radiation within 180 days of enactment. 

The Committee recognizes the importance of BER’s basic research on complex biological and environmental systems in support 

of DOE’s energy mission. The Committee is concerned, however, 

about the trend within BER towards increased emphasis on climate 

modeling seemingly at the expense of physical science programs, 

including genomic and radiological sciences. H.R. 4675 rebalances 

these priorities by requiring increased investment in the vital area 

of basic research in radiobiology. The Committee calls for the use 

of the Department’s unique capabilities to research the intersection 

of biological systems and radiological sciences to execute a comprehensive program on low-dose radiation research. Within BER, 

$20 million of the current budget is provided for this purpose in 

each of fiscal years 2018 and 2019, while $30 million is provided 

for each of fiscal years 2020 and 2021. 

SECTION-BY-SECTION

Section 1. Short title 

Low-dose radiation research act of 2017. 

Section 2. Low-Dose Radiation Research Program 

This section authorizes a basic research program on low-dose radiation within the DOE Office of Science over four years. It directs 

DOE to develop a long-term basic research plan for low-dose radiation research using existing scientific knowledge and by engaging 

the international research community and ensuring consultation 

between the DOE Office of Science and the National Aeronautics 

and Space Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the 

Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Defense, the 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Homeland 

Security. The plan must be submitted to Congress within 180 days, 

and funding for this program will come from the funds provided for 

the Biological and Environmental Research Program in the DOE 

Office of Science. 

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

An amendment by Rep. Bill Foster was accepted by the Committee. The amendment added identifying and quantifying the benefits of low-dose radiation research to the program’s components. 

6 

COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

On January 10, 2018, the Committee met in open session and ordered reported favorably the bill, H.R. 4675, as amended, by voice 

vote, a quorum being present. 

APPLICATION OF LAW TO THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

Section 102(b)(3) of Public Law 104–1 requires a description of 

the application of this bill to the legislative branch where the bill 

relates to the terms and conditions of employment or access to public services and accommodations. This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide for a low-dose radiation basic research 

program. As such this bill does not relate to employment or access 

to public services and accommodations. 

STATEMENT OF OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF

THE COMMITTEE

In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause (2)(b)(1) 

of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee’s oversight findings and recommendations are reflected in the 

descriptive portions of this report. 

STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

H.R. 4675 amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide for 

a low-dose radiation basic research program. 

DUPLICATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS

No provision of H.R. 4675 establishes or reauthorizes a program 

of the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another Federal program, a program that was included in any report from the 

Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 

21 of Public Law 111–139, or a program related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. 

DISCLOSURE OF DIRECTED RULE MAKINGS

The Committee estimates that enacting H.R. 4675 does not direct 

the completion of any specific rule makings within the meaning of 

5 U.S.C. 551. 

FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT

The Committee finds that the legislation does not establish or 

authorize the establishment of an advisory committee within the 

definition of 5 U.S.C. App., Section 5(b). 

UNFUNDED MANDATE STATEMENT

Section 423 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act (as amended by Section 101(a)(2) of the Unfunded Mandate 

Reform Act, P.L. 104–4) requires a statement as to whether the 

provisions of the reported include unfunded mandates. In compliance with this requirement the Committee has received a letter 

from the Congressional Budget Office included herein. 

7 

EARMARK IDENTIFICATION

H.R. 4675 does not include any congressional earmarks, limited 

tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9 of rule 

XXI. 

COMMITTEE ESTIMATE

Clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires an estimate and a comparison by the Committee of the costs that would be incurred in carrying out H.R. 

4675. However, clause 3(d)(3)(B) of that rule provides that this requirement does not apply when the Committee has included in its 

report a timely submitted cost estimate of the bill prepared by the 

Director of the Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of 

the Congressional Budget Act. 

BUDGET AUTHORITY AND CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST

ESTIMATE

With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of 

the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 308(a) of the 

Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and with respect to requirements 

of clause (3)(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 

1974, the Committee has received the following cost estimate for 

H.R. 4675 from the Director of Congressional Budget Office: 

U.S. CONGRESS, 

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE, 

Washington, DC, January 18, 2018. 

Hon. LAMAR SMITH, 

Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 

House of Representatives, Washington, DC. 

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4675, the Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2017. 

If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased 

to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Janani Shankaran. 

Sincerely, 

KEITH HALL, 

Director. 

Enclosure. 

H.R. 4675—Low-Dose Radiation Research Act of 2017 

Summary: H.R. 4675 would authorize the appropriation of funds 

for the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Science to conduct 

basic research on low-dose radiation. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4675 would cost $96 million over the 2018–2022 period, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts. 

Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues; 

therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. 

CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4675 would not increase net 

direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 

10-year periods beginning in 2028. 

8 

H.R. 4675 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). 

Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated budgetary effect of H.R. 4675 is shown in the following table. The costs 

of the legislation fall within budget function 250 (general science, 

space, and technology). 

By fiscal year, in millions of dollars— 

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2018– 

2022 

INCREASES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION 

Authorization Level ........................................................... 20 20 30 30 0 100 

Estimated Outlays ............................................................ 11 17 26 29 13 96 

Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that the legislation will be enacted early in calendar year 2018. Under H.R. 

4675, DOE’s radiation research program would be similar to an 

agency program that was terminated in 2016. The bill also would 

require DOE to submit a four-year research plan to the Congress 

and to coordinate its work with other federal agencies studying 

low-dose exposures. 

H.R. 4675 would authorize appropriations totaling $100 million 

over the 2018–2021 period for those activities. Assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts and based on historical spending 

patterns for similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing 

H.R. 4675 would cost $96 million over the 2018–2022 period. 

Pay-As-You-Go considerations: None. 

Increase in long-term direct spending and deficits: CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4675 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028. 

Mandates: H.R. 4675 contains no intergovernmental or privatesector mandates as defined in UMRA. 

Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Janani Shankaran; Mandates: Jon Sperl. 

Estimate approved by: H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Assistant 

Director for Budget Analysis. 

CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, 

as reported, are shown as follows (new matter is printed in italic 

and existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in 

roman): 

ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Energy Policy 

Act of 2005’’. 

(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for this Act is as 

follows: 

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 

* * * * * * * 

9 

TITLE IX—RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 

* * * * * * * 

Subtitle G—Science 

Sec. 971. Science. 

* * * * * * * 

Sec. 977A. Low-dose radiation research program. 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE IX—RESEARCH AND 

DEVELOPMENT 

* * * * * * * 

Subtitle G—Science 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 977A. LOW-DOSE RADIATION RESEARCH PROGRAM. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall carry out a basic research 

program on low-dose radiation to— 

(1) enhance the scientific understanding of, and reduce uncertainties associated with, the effects of exposure to low-dose radiation; and 

(2) inform improved risk-assessment and risk-management 

methods with respect to such radiation. 

(b) PROGRAM COMPONENTS.—In carrying out the program required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— 

(1) formulate scientific goals for low-dose radiation basic research in the United States; 

(2) identify ongoing scientific challenges for understanding 

the long-term effects of ionizing radiation on biological systems; 

(3) develop a long-term strategic and prioritized basic research agenda to address such scientific challenges in coordination with other research efforts; 

(4) identify and, to the extent possible, quantify, potential 

monetary and health-related benefits to Federal agencies, the 

general public, industry, research communities, and other users 

of information produced by such research program; 

(5) leverage the collective body of knowledge from existing 

low-dose radiation research; and 

(6) engage with other Federal agencies, research communities, 

and potential users of information produced under this section, 

including institutions concerning radiation research, medical 

physics, radiology, health physics, and emergency response. 

(c) COORDINATION.—In carrying out the program, the Secretary, 

in coordination with the Physical Science Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council, shall— 

(1) support the directives under section 106 of the American 

Innovation and Competitiveness Act (42 U.S.C. 6601 note); 

(2) ensure that the Office of Science of the Department of Energy consults with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Environmental 

Protection Agency, the Department of Defense, the Nuclear RegVerDate Sep 11 2014 06:28 Feb 14, 2018 Jkt 079006 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6603 E:\HR\OC\HR554.XXX HR554
10 

ulatory Commission, and the Department of Homeland Security; 

(3) advise and assist the National Science and Technology 

Council on policies and initiatives in radiation biology, including enhancing scientific knowledge of the effects of low-dose radiation on biological systems to improve radiation risk-assessment and risk-management methods; and 

(4) identify opportunities to stimulate international cooperation relating to low-dose radiation and leverage research and 

knowledge from sources outside of the United States. 

(d) RESEARCH PLAN.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 

enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee 

on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives 

and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate 

a 4-year research plan that identifies and prioritizes basic research 

needs relating to low-dose radiation. In developing such plan, the 

Secretary shall incorporate the components described in subsection 

(b). 

(e) DEFINITION OF LOW-DOSE RADIATION.—In this section, the 

term ‘‘low-dose radiation’’ means a radiation dose of less than 100 

millisieverts. 

(f) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to subject any research carried out by the Secretary for the 

program under this section to any limitations described in 977(e) of 

the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16317(e)). 

(g) FUNDING.—For purposes of carrying out this section, the Secretary is authorized to make available from funds provided to the 

Biological and Environmental Research Program— (1) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2018; 

(2) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2019; 

(3) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; and 

(4) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2021. 

* * * * * * * 

Æ