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Senator presses DOE nominee for response to May 5 letter on program suspensions; nominee pledges compliance if confirmed

3297277 · May 14, 2025

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Summary

During a Senate committee hearing, a senator reminded the Department of Energy nominee about a May 5 letter to Secretary Wright seeking information on suspended programs, canceled awards, staffing reductions and contracting changes; the nominee said the department would comply with legal obligations if he is confirmed.

A senator told Benjamin Brightbill, the Department of Energy nominee, that on May 5 she and other members of Congress had sent Secretary Wright a letter seeking information after the department suspended energy programs, canceled executed awards and contracts, reduced staffing and changed contracting policies.

“So thank you. That is the right answer. On May 5, I, along with a number of other members of Congress, sent secretary Wright a letter regarding the department's suspension of energy programs, cancellation of executed awards and contracts, as well as mass reductions in staffing and changes to contracting policies. And I very much look forward to receiving a full and complete response to that letter,” the senator said.

Brightbill responded, “If I am confirmed, I can, if I'm fortunate enough to be confirmed, yes, I can assure you that we will comply with the law, and, insofar as the department is required to make responses to requests, we will do so.”

The exchange centers on congressional oversight and the department’s obligation to respond to information requests. The transcript does not include a department response to the May 5 letter, nor does it record a committee vote or an administrative determination at the hearing.

The senator framed the May 5 letter as seeking detailed information about program suspensions, canceled awards and contracts, staffing reductions and contracting-policy changes; the nominee pledged compliance with legal requirements to respond but did not provide a timeline or additional detail about the department’s review or planned disclosure.