Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, delivered remarks at a hearing concerning two key nominations: Lee Beaman to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors and Douglas Weaver to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Whitehouse addressed several issues regarding recent developments at both agencies. He noted that Weaver’s nomination comes after former NRC Commissioner Annie Caputo resigned in August, raising questions about whether Department of Energy (DOE) and DOGE interference contributed to her departure. Whitehouse stated, “I cannot help but wonder if her decision was influenced by DOE and DOGE interference at NRC and the ensuing turmoil.”
He pointed out that this is the third NRC nominee hearing this year, with two hearings prompted by premature departures from the commission. Whitehouse reiterated his concerns over what he described as threats to NRC’s independence under the Trump administration: “The Trump administration’s assault on NRC’s independence threatens the stability and reputation of the agency—and that threatens the viability of the U.S. nuclear industry. The nuclear industry’s success depends upon the credibility of its regulator. That credibility is clearly in jeopardy.”
Citing historical testimony from Bill Anders, NRC’s first chairman, Whitehouse emphasized public trust in regulatory agencies: “Public confidence will follow only if our performance both serves, and is perceived to serve the public interest, and is not prejudiced either for or against the industry we regulate.”
Whitehouse criticized what he described as DOE overreach into NRC operations and highlighted concerns about unqualified DOGE staffers influencing regulatory changes. He argued these actions have led to instability within NRC: “In the name of ‘transformation,’ these DOGE-s have pushed out nuclear experts and directed the NRC to rip up and revise its regulations in a dangerously short timeframe. That supposed transformation has only sown turmoil.”
He questioned who benefits from accelerated regulatory revisions lacking transparency or consultation, noting a loss of experienced personnel at NRC.
Whitehouse also raised concerns about bypassing established licensing processes for nuclear technologies by routing applications through DOE and DOD rather than relying on NRC expertise.
He addressed Weaver directly: “Mr. Weaver, on paper you have the technical qualifications for the job... My question to you is whether you will have the courage to choose safety over pressure from DOE, DOGE or the administration.”
Turning attention to TVA nominee Lee Beaman, Whitehouse criticized Beaman’s political background and alleged involvement in efforts related to overturning election results: “Mr. Beaman’s qualifications are that he is a Trump loyalist and 2020 election denier... He even signed a letter urging state legislators to appoint fake electors.” Whitehouse also referenced Beaman's connections with Republican lawmakers as a landlord and campaign treasurer for one member under House Ethics Committee review.
He expressed concern over what he sees as erosion of bipartisanship at TVA appointments—an area previously characterized by bipartisan cooperation in both Senate practice and tradition.
Whitehouse concluded by referencing recent electoral outcomes as indicative of public sentiment regarding government integrity: “I think voters just sent a pretty strong message about following Trump off the corruption cliff, and I hope Senators think twice about tearing down our own institution.”
