House Republicans' 2026 Energy and Water Bill Undermines National Security and Increases Energy Costs

Strategic Insights -

The proposed draft fiscal year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill, released by House Appropriations Committee Republicans, would increase energy costs, jeopardize energy independence, and leave Americans more vulnerable to nuclear threats. The bill slashes vital Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs, cuts the National Nuclear Security Administration's Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation account, and eliminates funding for crucial environmental remediation programs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bill cuts Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs nearly in half, revoking over $5 Billion from the Department of Energy's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law resources.
  • The National Nuclear Security Administration's Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation account is cut by 17 percent, weakening national security and leaving Americans more vulnerable to nuclear threats.
  • Funding for the Corps of Engineers' Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program is eliminated, and the Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management is cut by 9 percent.
  • The bill eliminates funding for the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations and cuts the Department of Energy's clean energy and efficiency programs, slapping over $675 Million and $5 Billion from the Department of Energy's resources.
  • The focus of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs are changed, and resources and funds meant for low-income, or low-income, and low-income, and seniors are reallocated to serve commercial purposes, in town and major revisions from present timeframe, emphasis is placed in serving mainstream projects and projects development, that is key responsible for afflicting crisis.

Statistics:

  • $57.3 Billion in discretionary funding is provided for the fiscal year 2026 Energy and Water bill.
  • $24.1 Billion is allocated for nondefense programs, a cut of over $675 Million or 2.7 percent below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
  • $5 Billion is slashed from the Department of Energy's resources, from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
  • 17 percent is the cut of the National Nuclear Security Administration's Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation account.
  • $675 Million is the amount cut from nondefense programs in fiscal year 2026.
  • 9 percent is the cut of the Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management.

Sources:

  • United States House of Representatives
  • Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)
  • Speaker Mitch McConnell
  • Appropriations Committee Chairman Harry Reid
  • Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03)
  • A state-by-state breakdown of the amount of funding House Republicans are trying to slash from the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) programs.