Cole Remarks at FY27 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill Full Committee Markup

Thank you, Chairman Fleischmann – and thank you to Ranking Member Kaptur, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all our members. Today’s measure is a cornerstone of U.S. energy dominance. Affordable, reliable, and secure energy is a backbone of American strength – and the bill before us delivers on that priority.

Under President Trump’s leadership, we have seen a resurgence in domestic production, innovation, and long-term resilience. The future belongs to the nation that can out-build and out-power their competitors – and this legislation ensures America remains second to none.

It unleashes U.S. production of baseload energy sources and critical minerals. 

It makes historic investments to secure our systems and reduce reliance on foreign supplies. 

And it unlocks technological capabilities to drive next-generation advancement. This includes the White House’s focus on propelling the U.S. to lead in artificial intelligence and new frontiers that keep us not only competitive – but unrivaled. 

Chairman Fleischmann also implemented robust funding for high-priority inland and coastal navigation, flood control, and drought resilience projects. Importantly, security and defense remain central to this legislation. 

With a focus on advancing nuclear capabilities and keeping our Navy’s propulsion programs top-class, we reinforce our deterrence and America’s strategic advantages. 

We also prioritize cybersecurity efforts that enable a resilient electric grid and ensure we can counter various threats from our adversaries. 

In sum, this measure recognizes that by harnessing America’s abundant domestic resources, we will continue leading the world in producing the cleanest, most reliable, and most secure energy. Chairman Fleischmann has crafted a bill that advances U.S. energy dominance, secures our strategic edge, and powers the next generation of American strength.

I thank him, Ranking Member Kaptur, and the majority and minority staff for their hard work, and I look forward to advancing today’s measure. With that, I yield back.