The House of Representatives has approved the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, passing the measure by a narrow vote of 214 to 213. The legislation outlines $57.3 billion in discretionary funding, which is $766.4 million less than the previous fiscal year’s enacted level. Of this total, $33.223 billion is allocated for defense and $24.077 billion for non-defense purposes.
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) stated, “The cornerstones of President Trump’s and Republicans’ plan to renew America are abundant energy, a strong military, and rebuilt, modern infrastructure projects that replace our crumbling, dated national infrastructure. The passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water bill strengthens America by investing in the modernization of our national security and nuclear deterrent, securing American global leadership in new nuclear, funding waterways infrastructure from coast to coast, and reducing our reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals. As Chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations subcommittee, I am proud that my bill does important work to revitalize America while being a responsible steward of the American people’s tax dollars. I thank the Trump Administration, Chairman Cole, and my colleagues for their close collaboration and strong support for my bill and urge the Senate to quickly follow the House’s lead and pass my FY26 Energy and Water bill.”
Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) commented on the legislation: “America’s prosperity begins with energy. The Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Act unleashes American energy dominance, lowers costs for families and businesses, and restores confidence in our grid. Energy strength is national strength—fueling jobs, innovation, and resilience in every community—and no longer will traditional energy sources be punished for being affordable and reliable. This bill also makes a historic commitment to critical mineral production, securing the resources America needs to reduce dependence on adversaries and power the technologies of tomorrow. U.S. safety and security are further prioritized through modernizing our nuclear deterrent and safeguarding technology from the CCP and other hostile regimes. Further, it backs vital investments in water infrastructure, ports, and flood control that protect communities and keep commerce moving. Under Chairman Fleischmann’s leadership, this measure makes clear that America will lead with strength built on abundant domestic energy and resources. I am proud to support this bill and an America First energy future.”
The legislation directs significant funding toward maintaining national security through nuclear deterrence efforts by allocating over $20 billion for modernization programs related to nuclear weapons stockpile management as well as supporting naval nuclear capabilities with more than $2 billion invested in fleet technology upgrades.
The act also includes provisions aimed at restricting certain foreign entities' involvement with U.S. energy assets by prohibiting crude oil sales from strategic reserves to China’s government or its affiliates; barring access by citizens from China or Russia to sensitive facilities; stopping Department of Energy assistance to specified foreign entities; and preventing purchases of technology from countries considered adversarial.
On domestic policy measures aligned with administration priorities—including those related to social issues—the act codifies executive actions such as prohibiting funds for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion or Critical Race Theory programs; upholds restrictions against federal censorship; maintains bans on discrimination against advocates for traditional marriage; and allows lawful firearm carry on certain federal lands.
In economic terms—while providing increased support for mining technologies essential for extracting critical minerals domestically—the act expands investments into advanced reactor demonstration projects alongside enhanced regulatory oversight capacity within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as part of broader goals to boost U.S.-based nuclear generation capacity.
Additional provisions address transportation efficiency via port improvements as well as continued investment in geothermal energy development efforts across domestic resources.
The appropriations package eliminates funding for several initiatives established under previous administrations including offices focused on clean energy demonstrations or justice/equity programming within DOE—shifting focus toward core research functions deemed highest priority by committee leadership.
A summary of the bill before amendments can be found at https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/fy26-energy-and-water-development-bill-text-and-summary-now-available.
Bill text prior to amendments is available at https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/republicans.appropriations.house.gov/files/FY26%20EWD%20Bill.pdf.
A full report before amendments is accessible at https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/republicans.appropriations.house.gov/files/FY26%20EWD%20Report.pdf.
