Senator Cortez Masto discusses security at Nevada's national laboratories

In a recent meeting of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, significant discussions centered on the security risks posed by foreign nationals working at the Department of Energy’s National Laboratories. This topic is particularly pressing for communities like Nevada, where local residents have direct ties to these facilities.

Senator Cortez Masto, representing Nevada, emphasized the importance of the Nevada National Security Site, noting that many residents have family and friends employed there. She highlighted the potential implications of new regulations aimed at enhancing research security, specifically the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025. This legislation includes a provision that would restrict access to national laboratories for foreign nationals from countries deemed high-risk, such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, unless they receive special waivers.

The discussions revealed concerns about the impact of these regulations on the workforce at the Nevada site. Experts indicated that the implementation of these new security measures could lead to the dismissal of nearly a thousand employees, which raises alarms about the potential loss of skilled personnel. This situation could compromise national security, as these individuals might be recruited by adversaries.

Senator Cortez Masto pointed out that while the legislation addresses the entry of foreign nationals, it does not adequately consider the need for a robust domestic workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She stressed the importance of fostering local talent to ensure that national laboratories can continue to operate effectively and securely.

The meeting underscored a critical intersection of national security and community welfare, as decisions made at the federal level have direct consequences for local residents and the stability of essential services. As the Senate moves forward with these regulations, the focus will remain on balancing security needs with the necessity of maintaining a skilled workforce to support the nation’s energy and defense objectives.