Cole Remarks at FY27 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill Subcommittee Markup (As Prepared for Delivery)

Thank you, Chairman Fleischmann – and thank you to Ranking Member Kaptur, Ranking Member DeLauro, and to all the members of the subcommittee. 

Today’s measure delivers on America’s energy imperative: dominance that fuels our strength, prosperity, and growth.

Under President Trump’s leadership, we are once again focused on resources that support our nation’s ability to out-innovate, out-build, and out-power the world. This bill reflects that agenda in every way. It advances activities to further unleash domestic production of critical minerals and reduce reliance on foreign supply. 

It unlocks technological innovation to propel advancements for the future – including support for the White House’s Genesis Mission. And it provides robust funding for high-priority inland and coastal navigation, flood control, and drought resilience projects. 

Importantly, this legislation also makes us more secure. With a focus on strengthening baseload energy sources and advancing nuclear capabilities, we reinforce American energy security. We also prioritize cybersecurity efforts that enable a resilient electric grid – and we bolster our national defense by modernizing the nuclear weapons stockpile and supporting the nuclear navy. 

Chairman Fleischmann has developed a bill that strengthens our national security, energy security, and continues to unlock America’s full energy potential.

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