# House Passes NRC Staff Pay Bill

On November 9, 2026, the U.S. House passed H.R. 9614, the NRC Staff Pay Alignment Act, which would authorize a 10% pay increase to help the Nuclear Regulatory Commission recruit and retain specialized safety staff. The bill now goes to the Senate and is not yet law. It announces no contract, solicitation, or procurement funding, but if enacted, the staffing increase could support the NRC’s oversight of expanding nuclear energy activity.

- Procurement teams and contractors supporting nuclear projects should distinguish this proposed workforce measure from an acquisition opportunity: the signal identifies no contract or solicitation.
- Companies whose work depends on NRC review or safety oversight may find the bill relevant to the agency’s capacity if it becomes law; no specific change to review timelines or requirements is stated.
- The bill’s next legislative step is Senate consideration. Any procurement implications remain contingent on enactment and are not specified in the signal.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Policy
**Published:** November 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
- U.S. House of Representatives
- U.S. Senate
- House Energy and Commerce Committee

### Key Quotes
> Nuclear safety demands the most qualified experts on the job, which is why I am proud to see this legislation pass the House. With nuclear energy expanding across the country to meet our growing energy demands, this legislation gives our nation’s nuclear watchdog the competitive edge it needs to stay strong, independent, and fully staffed.
> — Rob Menendez, Congressman

### Sources
- [ House Passes Menendez Legislation to Strengthen Nuclear Regulatory Workforce | U.S. House Representative Rob Menendez](https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-menendez-legislation-to-strengthen-nuclear-regulatory-workforce) - Menendez