WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright joined U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-OH-05), U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04), U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-01), and U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) at the Ames National Laboratory to see firsthand the lab’s cutting-edge research and its pivotal role in addressing national energy and materials engineering challenges.
Secretary Wright’s visit included briefings and discussions with scientists and lab experts in key mission areas, including rare earth minerals, critical materials, AI, and next-generation energy technologies. Wright toured the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, a Department of Energy (DOE) Innovation Hub led by Ames, that is spearheading efforts to restore American energy dominance, secure domestic supply chains, reduce dependence on foreign actors, and strengthen the scientific capabilities essential to U.S. competitiveness.
“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 U.S. Senator Joni 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, Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, 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 U.S. Representative Bob Latta, Energy Subcommittee Chair on Energy and Commerce Committee. “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. I look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to continue supporting the work of our National Labs.”
“Our DOE Laboratories are working on the cutting edge of research to create new materials and help advance American energy dominance,” said U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman, Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. “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. It was great to join Secretary Wright, Governor Reynolds and the Iowa delegation for this insightful tour and discussion about the future of American energy.”
“It was a privilege to welcome Secretary Chris Wright to Ames National Laboratory and showcase the groundbreaking research being led right here in Iowa. 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,” said U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks. “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.”
“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 U.S. Representative Ashley 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. We are grateful for the unique opportunity to showcase our science and innovation to DOE leadership.”
The visit marked Secretary Wright’s 12th stop toward his goal of visiting all 17 Department of Energy National Laboratories this year, underscoring the Administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill commitment to investing in critical energy and minerals infrastructure. Secretary Wright highlighted the bill’s investments in next-generation AI, advanced manufacturing, and critical materials research will build on the groundbreaking science and innovation being driven across DOE’s National Labs—ensuring the U.S. stays ahead of strategic competitors, lowering costs and delivering greater prosperity for the American people, and restoring energy independence.
As part of DOE’s ongoing effort to unleash American science, innovation, and energy dominance and deliver on President Trump’s commitment to develop more secure domestic supply chains, the Department recently announced its intent to issue nearly $1 billion to advance mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies across key stages of the critical minerals and materials supply chains. Read more about the announcement here.
