Fleischmann Remarks During Floor Consideration Of H.R. 4394, The Energy And Water Development And Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Statement

"Mr. Chairman, it's my distinct honor to bring the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water bill before you today.

Before I go into the details, I'd like to recognize the hard work of Chairwoman Granger and Ranking Member DeLauro on this bill and the appropriations process. I'd also like to thank my Ranking Member, Ms. Kaptur, for being a tremendous partner throughout this year's process.

At a total of $56.958 billion, the Energy and Water bill advances our national security, our energy security, and our economic competitiveness in a fiscally responsible manner.

The bill includes $24 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration. Within that, the bill fully funds all major weapons and infrastructure modernization activities, including the W-93 warhead, the nuclear Sea-Launched Cruise Missile, B83-1 sustainment efforts, and the restart of plutonium pit production capability. NNSA funding also supports Naval Reactors and Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation.

Remaining a leader in nuclear energy technologies will ensure reliable energy here at home and will help allies around the globe. The bill sustains the Department of Energy's Nuclear Energy base program and also redirects previously appropriated funds to higher priorities.

Specifically:

$2.4 billion to develop a domestic capability for producing low enriched uranium, including high-assay low enriched uranium that will be necessary for upcoming advanced reactors; and
$1.2 billion to support the ongoing advanced small modular reactor demonstration project.
To reduce our reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals, the bill provides more than $200 million for the full spectrum of production technologies.

The Army Corps of Engineers is funded at $9.57 billion, including full funding of Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund activities and ongoing Inland Waterways Trust Fund construction projects. These investments will help ensure goods can be moved safely to and from global markets.

Funding for the Bureau of Reclamation totals $1.8 billion and prioritizes projects that increase water supply and support drought resilience.

The bill continues strong funding for the DOE Office of Science, including fusion energy science, to enhance America's role as the global leader of scientific discovery and to lay the foundation for future scientific breakthroughs.

In closing, I would like to would like to thank the staff on both sides of the aisle for their hard work throughout this process. On the majority staff -- Angie, Perry, Nora, Richie, Scott, and Janet. In my personal office -- Ian and Daniel. And on the minority staff -- Scott, Jocelyn, and Adam. This is a strong bill, and I urge Members to support it."

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