Secretary Wright faces scrutiny over DOE budget cuts and workforce reductions
June 18, 2025 | Energy and Natural Resources: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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In a critical government meeting on June 18, 2025, Ranking Member Heinrich expressed deep concerns regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the Department of Energy (DOE). Heinrich highlighted significant discrepancies between Secretary Wright's public statements and the actions taken under his leadership, particularly regarding funding cancellations and staff reductions that could jeopardize the nation’s energy and scientific leadership.
Heinrich pointed out that $3.7 billion in awards from the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations were abruptly canceled, which he argued could undermine the U.S. position in developing next-generation technologies. He emphasized that such actions could demoralize the workforce at the DOE, which is the largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences. The Ranking Member noted that the department had already seen significant layoffs, including 2,000 employees, and was poised to lose thousands more due to early buyouts.
The proposed budget also includes a substantial cut of $2.75 billion, or 11%, to funding for national labs, potentially resulting in the loss of over 7,700 jobs. Heinrich criticized this move, stating that it threatens the nation’s scientific and energy leadership at a time when affordable and reliable energy is crucial.
Heinrich further challenged Secretary Wright's commitment to an "all of the above" energy strategy, citing a recent statement where Wright distanced himself from supporting all energy sources. This, Heinrich argued, contradicts the need for a diverse energy portfolio to meet growing electricity demands without increasing costs for families.
Additionally, Heinrich raised concerns about the elimination of the weatherization assistance program, which helps households save on energy costs, and significant cuts to research and development efforts in artificial intelligence. He stressed that these budgetary decisions could hinder the U.S.'s ability to maintain its leadership in emerging technologies.
The meeting underscored the urgent need for the DOE to align its budget proposals with the goals of ensuring affordable energy access and supporting scientific research. Heinrich concluded by calling for a reevaluation of the budget to better reflect these priorities, emphasizing that the current proposal falls short of adequately supporting the nation’s energy and research objectives.
Heinrich pointed out that $3.7 billion in awards from the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations were abruptly canceled, which he argued could undermine the U.S. position in developing next-generation technologies. He emphasized that such actions could demoralize the workforce at the DOE, which is the largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences. The Ranking Member noted that the department had already seen significant layoffs, including 2,000 employees, and was poised to lose thousands more due to early buyouts.
The proposed budget also includes a substantial cut of $2.75 billion, or 11%, to funding for national labs, potentially resulting in the loss of over 7,700 jobs. Heinrich criticized this move, stating that it threatens the nation’s scientific and energy leadership at a time when affordable and reliable energy is crucial.
Heinrich further challenged Secretary Wright's commitment to an "all of the above" energy strategy, citing a recent statement where Wright distanced himself from supporting all energy sources. This, Heinrich argued, contradicts the need for a diverse energy portfolio to meet growing electricity demands without increasing costs for families.
Additionally, Heinrich raised concerns about the elimination of the weatherization assistance program, which helps households save on energy costs, and significant cuts to research and development efforts in artificial intelligence. He stressed that these budgetary decisions could hinder the U.S.'s ability to maintain its leadership in emerging technologies.
The meeting underscored the urgent need for the DOE to align its budget proposals with the goals of ensuring affordable energy access and supporting scientific research. Heinrich concluded by calling for a reevaluation of the budget to better reflect these priorities, emphasizing that the current proposal falls short of adequately supporting the nation’s energy and research objectives.
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