Cole Remarks at FY25 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill Full Committee Markup

Our third bill for today provides strong support for energy and water development – which are critical 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 deterrence posture. This bill includes significant funding to continue modernizing America’s nuclear weapons stockpile and support the operational nuclear naval fleet. It also emphasizes funding to prevent hostile nations or terrorist groups from acquiring nuclear devices, materials, and expertise.

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.

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 the funding included for research and development efforts will help us to uncover and utilize the energy sources of tomorrow.

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