Cole Remarks During Floor Consideration of H.R. 8997, The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025

Today’s measure provides funding for energy and water development initiatives for Fiscal Year 2025 – which are crucial to the prosperity and security of our great nation.

Rising geopolitical threats show that readiness can never be taken for granted. It’s exactly why this legislation bolsters our nation’s nuclear capabilities – particularly our nuclear deterrence posture.

This bill includes significant funding to continue modernizing America’s nuclear weapons stockpile and supports the operational nuclear naval fleet. It also directs resources to programs that prevent hostile nations and terrorist groups from acquiring nuclear devices, materials, and expertise.

Today’s bill also supports cutting-edge research and development functions, including an increase for the Office of Science at the Department of Energy and an increase in funding for nuclear energy innovation. I’ve long said that America must maintain an all-of-the-above energy policy in order to ensure our continued energy independence, and research and development efforts will help us uncover and utilize the energy sources of tomorrow.

The Army Corps of Engineers, which conducts projects to maintain and improve American waterways, is robustly funded. From port improvements and harbor maintenance to flood control and hurricane protection, the Corps’ work is critical to our nation’s economic vitality.

I thank Chairman Fleischmann for his strategic approach in putting this bill together, and I urge all members to support it.

With that, I yield back.