River Bend Times

U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks welcomed Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to Ames National Laboratory, where federal and state officials highlighted Iowa’s contributions to energy research and national security. The event included U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, Representatives Bob Latta, Bruce Westerman, and Ashley Hinson.

“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.”

The group toured facilities such as the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, which focuses on securing domestic supply chains for key resources needed in technology and energy sectors.

“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.”

Senator Ernst commented on recent federal engagement with Iowa: “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,” she said. “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.”

Rep. Latta added: “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,” he said. “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,” Rep. Westerman stated. “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.”

Rep. Hinson emphasized local impact: “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,” she said. “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.”

Ames Lab Director Karl Mueller noted: “We are delighted to host Energy Secretary Wright today at Ames National Laboratory,” he said. “Our research capabilities and our people are an integral part of the national laboratory system and the Department of Energy mission.”

Miller-Meeks has represented Iowa's 1st district since 2021 after serving previously in both Congress andthe state senate. She was born in Herlong, California in 1955 before moving into public service roles from her home base in Le Claire.

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