Strong Backs Energy, Water Funding Measure

U.S. Representative Dale Strong (R-AL-05) is touting the House Appropriations Committee’s approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Development Funding Bill, calling the measure a major step toward strengthening America’s energy sector, national defense, and electric grid infrastructure.

The legislation advanced out of committee Wednesday with support from Republicans who argued the bill would expand domestic energy production, modernize the nation’s nuclear capabilities, and reduce dependence on foreign energy sources.

Strong, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said the proposal reflects growing concern over global competition from nations such as China and Russia.

“America’s energy security is national security. At a time when adversaries like China and Russia are aggressively expanding their influence, this legislation puts America first by rebuilding and strengthening our electric grid, advancing next-generation nuclear technologies, and boosting domestic energy generation and capacity,” Strong said.

He also argued the bill would strengthen the country’s military readiness through investments tied to nuclear defense programs.

“This bill makes major investments into our national defense by strengthening our country’s nuclear deterrent, modernizing our nuclear energy capabilities, and ensuring the United States remains the world leader in reliable, affordable, and secure energy production.”

According to the House Appropriations Committee, the FY2027 Energy and Water Development bill provides $58.5 billion in discretionary spending, including roughly $35 billion for defense-related programs and $23.5 billion for non-defense initiatives.

Committee leaders said the measure focuses heavily on nuclear modernization, energy reliability, waterway infrastructure, and critical mineral production. The bill also includes language prohibiting crude oil sales from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party and blocks Department of Energy financial assistance to certain foreign entities.

Republicans backing the bill say it aligns with President Donald Trump’s long-term energy goals, including a push to expand nuclear power generation capacity by 2050. The legislation also supports research and testing tied to advanced nuclear technologies and electric grid security.

In addition, the measure would eliminate funding for the Department of Energy’s Biden-era Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations and Office of Energy Justice and Equity. Supporters argue the cuts would refocus taxpayer dollars on core energy and national security priorities.

The bill also contains provisions protecting lawful firearm carry on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property and preventing federal building mandates tied to certain energy sources.

The legislation now moves forward in the appropriations process for consideration by the full House.

A summary of the bill may be read HERE, and the full bill is HERE.