Why It Matters

AvantTech Inc. is a first-time federal lobbyist entering a market experiencing unprecedented government attention and funding. The company hired Westmoreland160 LLC to pursue defense appropriations and policy influence for deployable nuclear power modules—a strategic choice given the firm’s expertise in defense spending cycles.

The timing is significant. Congress is actively advancing legislation like the ARMOR Act of 2025, which would mandate Army deployment of advanced nuclear micro-reactors at military installations by 2030. Chair Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee has championed $800 million in SMR funding, positioning appropriations as the critical battleground for procurement dollars.

By the Numbers

AvantTech Inc. hired Westmoreland160 LLC in January 2025 with no prior advocacy history.

Firm Background: Westmoreland160 has represented 13 clients since 2018, generating $3.85 million in total compensation. The firm’s portfolio includes defense contractors like General Atomics and Honeywell International.

The Lobbying Team:

  • Cheryl Wood Cotterell brings eight years representing General Atomics on defense R&D and procurement.
  • William Thomas Rice served eight years (2003-2011) on Capitol Hill, including as Assistant to Rep. C.W. Bill Young on the House Appropriations Committee—the panel controlling defense spending.

Focus Areas: AvantTech targets Budget/Appropriations and Defense issue areas, concentrating on "Mobile Power Modules, Deployable Energy Sources for the Department of Defense."

The Agenda

AvantTech Inc. is lobbying on "Mobile Power Modules, Deployable Energy Sources for the Department of Defense," timing its entry with significant congressional momentum.

The ARMOR Act of 2025 (S. 2389) would require the Army to deploy advanced nuclear micro-reactors at military installations by 2030. The Small Modular Reactor Commercialization Act of 2025 (H.R. 2813) aims to accelerate commercialization through regulatory modernization.

Broader Context

Congress is actively advancing legislation and funding for deployable nuclear power systems. The ARMOR Act of 2025, introduced by Senators Kim (D-NJ) and Sheehy (R-MT), would establish a pilot program requiring Army deployment of advanced nuclear micro-reactors by 2030.

Key appropriators are backing this agenda. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) has secured $800 million in federal SMR funding. Multiple members, including Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and Senator James Risch (R-ID), have characterized advanced nuclear deployment as essential to outcompeting China and Russia.

Between The Lines

Recent congressional hearings reflect the strategic importance of reliable military power. A House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing on Powering Demand: Nuclear Solutions for AI Infrastructure explored how advanced reactors meet massive energy demands, while the House Armed Services Committee examined Nuclear Forces and Atomic Energy Defense Activities.

Competitive Landscape

AvantTech enters a crowded but rapidly expanding market. Last Energy Inc. is already lobbying on micro modular nuclear power plants targeting Defense Department applications. EMP Shield Inc. is advocating for "Resilient Islands of Nuclear Power" tied to critical infrastructure protection.

Eight companies are eligible for the DOD’s Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations program, including BWXT, General Atomics, Kairos Power, and Westinghouse. In October 2025, Radiant Industries signed the first agreement to deploy a microreactor on a U.S. military base.

The Bottom Line

AvantTech Inc. is entering federal lobbying at an opportune moment for mobile nuclear power. The company’s choice of Westmoreland160 LLC—particularly lobbyist William Thomas Rice’s former role on the House Appropriations Committee—positions it to compete for federal funding. AvantTech faces competition from Last Energy Inc. and EMP Shield Inc., but bipartisan congressional support for deployable defense energy creates a growing market opportunity.

Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article