H.R. 9022 — Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027 (Sponsored by Rep. Fleischmann / Appropriations Committee)
Executive Summary
H.R. 9022 provides $58.5 billion in discretionary budget authority for FY 2027 to fund the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of Energy, and related independent agencies. Driven by a Republican majority prioritizing 'American energy dominance' and fiscal responsibility, the bill heavily funds water infrastructure, nuclear energy, and hydrocarbon research while significantly cutting clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives. The legislation passed the Appropriations Committee on a strict 34-28 party-line vote, with Democrats fiercely opposing the cuts to renewable energy and nuclear nonproliferation, as well as the inclusion of partisan policy riders such as blocking federal building clean energy rules and prohibiting Strategic Petroleum Reserve sales to China.
Arguments For
- Argument 1: Advances 'American energy dominance' by prioritizing baseload power (nuclear, hydrocarbons) and critical water infrastructure over heavily subsidized green energy projects.
- Argument 2: Demonstrstrates fiscal restraint by clawing back unspent funds and capping discretionary spending at $58.5 billion, appealing to the conservative base.
- Argument 3: Includes strong national security and anti-adversary provisions, such as banning SPR sales to China and restricting Russian/Chinese access to nuclear facilities, which are highly popular political talking points.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Argument 1: Drastic cuts to clean energy, energy efficiency, and nonproliferation programs will cede U.S. leadership in future energy technologies to foreign adversaries and increase long-term energy costs.
- Argument 2: Contains 'poison pill' policy riders, such as blocking federal building clean energy rules and allowing firearms at Army Corps facilities, which guarantee Democratic opposition and a likely White House veto.
- Argument 3: The inclusion of congressional earmarks and localized water project funding may draw criticism from hardline fiscal conservatives despite the overall top-line messaging of fiscal responsibility.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Appropriates $2.38 billion for Army Corps of Engineers Construction and $6.25 billion for Operation and Maintenance.
- Appropriates $1.675 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation's Water and Related Resources.
- Appropriates $1.8 billion for Nuclear Energy and $700 million for Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy research.
- Prohibits the sale of Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) products to entities owned or influenced by the Chinese Communist Party, or for export to China (Sec. 307).
- Blocks the implementation of the DOE's 'Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings' rule (Sec. 311).
- Prohibits the Army Corps of Engineers from enforcing regulations that ban individuals from possessing firearms at water resources development projects (Sec. 108).
- Restricts non-U.S. citizens from Russia or China from accessing nuclear weapons production facilities without prior congressional notification (Sec. 309).
Supporting Views on Legislation
The bill provides $58.5 billion for the civil works programs of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy, and related independent agencies. The committee emphasizes that the funding levels demonstrate a dedication to fiscal responsibility while prioritizing investments that safeguard U.S. national security, unleash American energy dominance, and further economic prosperity.
⚖️ Dissenting views on legislation
Committee on Appropriations: The minority strongly opposes the bill due to severe funding cuts to clean energy programs, energy efficiency, and nuclear nonproliferation efforts. They argue the bill's partisan policy riders and reduced investments will increase energy costs for Americans, jeopardize national security, and cede U.S. leadership in future energy technologies to foreign adversaries.
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Prohibits the sale of Strategic Petroleum Reserve products to the Chinese Communist Party or for export to China.
"People’s Republic of China."
Blocks the DOE rule titled 'Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings'.
"Clean Energy for New Fed-"
Prevents the Army Corps of Engineers from banning firearms at water resources development projects.
"possessing a firearm, including"
Appropriates $1.8 billion for Nuclear Energy activities.
"construction, or expansion, $1,800,000,000"