There is an argument between Energy Secretary Steven Chu and GOP on the Energy Department investment of $10 million “L Prize” to Philips for an LED light bulb that retails for $50.

The GOP has criticized the Energy Department for backing such an expensive light bulb, arguing it’s too pricey for the average consumer.

But at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Chu defended that the department backed the product as a first step in developing cheaper energy-efficient light bulbs over time.

“The idea of that light bulb contest was to … get a light bulb that eventually Americans can afford,” Chu said, adding that the prize was intended to “stimulate future development.”

“Nobody expects to pay $60 for a light bulb and quite candidly, if you’re filling your house with light bulbs like that, they should be part of your will.”

Chu pointed out that LED light bulbs have a number of important uses because they can last for as many as 20,000 hours. The light bulbs make economic sense for use in office buildings and traffic lights.

However , Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and other Republicans criticized Chu over the light bulb prize in an attempt to paint the administration as out of touch with the average consumer. Barrasso asked Chu, “Do you think a $50 light bulb is affordable for the American family?”

 “We are not asking American families to spend $40 or $50 for a light bulb,” Chu said. “The prize was intended to incentivize innovative technologies.”