Fleischmann Floor Remarks on H.R. 6938, Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I thank Chairman Cole for yielding time.

I rise in strong support of H.R. 6938. As Chairman of the Energy and Water Development subcommittee, I worked hard to ensure this bill includes many House Republican priorities.

The bill provides total of $58 billion to advance our national security, strengthen our economy, and unleash American energy dominance. The bill delivers strong support for our national defense and provides $25.4 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration, prioritizing the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and the U.S. Navy nuclear fleet.

The bill strengthens our nation's energy security by advancing American leadership in deploying new nuclear technologies and supporting the Administration's efforts to make full use of our nation's vast fossil fuel resources. The bill will reduce reliance on foreign materials and secure the full supply chain of critical minerals. The bill furthers our nation's scientific and technological leadership, including a strong focus on laying the groundwork for AI and quantum efforts, by providing $8.4 billion for the Department of Energy's Office of Science.

At the same time, the bill reduces funding by over 29 percent across numerous other Department programs, including the applied energy technology offices, to ensure taxpayer resources are focused on the highest priority research and development projects. This bill also strengthens our economy and promotes public safety, providing $10.3 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, including full funding of Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund activities, over $2 billion for flood and storm damage reduction, and continued support for the highest priority, ongoing construction projects on the inland waterways system.

Additionally, the bill prioritizes funding for the Bureau of Reclamation for projects that increase water supply and support drought resilience. There are many other important provisions in the Energy and Water bill, but before I conclude I want to congratulate Chairman Cole on bringing together this appropriations package. I'd also like to acknowledge the efforts of our colleagues across the aisle – especially my Ranking Member, Ms. Kaptur – and our colleagues across the Capitol.

This is a strong bill for America that supports the Administration's energy dominance agenda in a fiscally responsible manner. I urge my colleagues to vote yes.

I yield back.