WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2019 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill on a vote of 29-20.  The legislation provides annual funding for national defense nuclear weapons activities, the Army Corps of Engineers, various programs under the Department of Energy (DOE), and other related agencies. 

The bill totals $44.7 billion – $1.5 billion above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level and $8.17 billion above the President’s budget request. Funding is targeted toward national security efforts – including nuclear weapons activities – and energy and water infrastructure investments. This level is in line with the overall discretionary caps put in place through the two-year budget cap agreement.

“This legislation will provide the resources to ensure America has the strongest possible nuclear deterrent, which is critically important during this time of rapidly changing global dynamics and emerging threats,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen said. “This bill also makes important investments in our water and power infrastructure that will help our economy continue to grow and provide a platform on which our businesses, industries, and communities can thrive.”

Energy and Water Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson also commented on the importance of the bill:

“This is a well-balanced bill that places emphasis where it is needed most: meeting critical national security needs and investing in our nation's infrastructure," Chairman Simpson said.  "It prioritizes the maintenance and security of our nuclear weapons stockpile, while also supporting infrastructure projects and strategic research and development that will increase U.S. economic growth and competitiveness.”

The following amendments to the bill were adopted by the full committee today:

Rep. Simpson – The manager’s amendment makes technical and noncontroversial changes to the report. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

For a summary of the bill, please click here.

For the text of the draft bill, please click here.

For the draft bill report, please click here.

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