Fleischmann Remarks at FY26 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Bill Full Committee Markup

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to present to the Committee the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

I’d like to thank Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro for their leadership throughout this process, and my good friend and Ranking Member of the Energy and Water subcommittee, Marcy Kaptur, for her partnership. 

I’d also like to extend my appreciation to all my colleagues for their valuable input in helping to shape this bill.

The FY26 Energy and Water bill demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding U.S. national security, unleashing American energy dominance, and advancing our economic competitiveness—in a fiscally responsible manner. The recommendation totals $57.3 billion, a decrease of $766 million below fiscal year 2025. 

The bill delivers strong support for our national defense and provides $25.3 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration, prioritizing the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and the U.S. Navy nuclear fleet.

We continue to fulfill our legacy responsibilities to remediate contaminated sites by funding Department of Energy cleanup activities. 

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, providing $8.4 billion for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. At the same time, the bill reduces funding by 25 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 economic competitiveness and promotes public safety, providing $9.9 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, including full funding of Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund activities and the highest priority construction projects on the inland waterways system. 

Funding for the Bureau of Reclamation is prioritized to projects that increase water supply and support drought resilience. 

Finally, the bill includes a number of provisions to codify President Trump’s executive actions to protect American values and prevent our resources and intellectual property from falling into the hands of foreign adversaries. 

This is a fiscally responsible bill that will strengthen our national security and advance our energy independence. I urge my colleagues to support it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.