Subcommittee favorably reports FY2026 energy and water bill, 10-5 amid sharp partisan debate

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development voted 10-5 to favorably report the fiscal year 2026 energy and water development appropriations bill to the full committee after a markup in which members sharply divided over program cuts and policy provisions. Representative Cloud moved the motion to report the bill; the clerk recorded 10 ayes and 5 nos and the motion carried. The bill recommendation totals about $57.3 billion, a decrease of roughly $766 million from fiscal year 2025, according to the subcommittee’s opening statement. The measure directs funds across the National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy science and cleanup programs, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation, and includes policy provisions intended to codify executive actions cited by the majority. The ranking member for the subcommittee, Representative Kaptur, argued the measure “does not meet our our nation's imperative for the future,” criticizing deep reductions in energy efficiency and renewable programs and cuts to nuclear cleanup and nonproliferation accounts. Full committee Chairman Cole described the bill as “a cornerstone of American energy dominance,” saying it supports modernization of nuclear systems and investments in waterways and ports. Representative DeLauro, the full committee ranking member, also urged opposition, saying the bill would “raise energy costs for American households and businesses” and weaken national security. During roll call, members recorded votes by name: the clerk announced the ayes at 10 and the nos at 5; the clerk then tallied and reported the bill favorably to the full committee. The subcommittee granted unanimous consent for staff to make technical and conforming changes to the bill and report, and ordered copies of the bill and report with those changes to be delivered to full committee members’ offices no later than three business days before the full committee meeting. Discussion in the markup ranged from Hurricane- and flood-related infrastructure concerns to the effects of cutting Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations funding on regional hydrogen projects and on grid resilience and water programs. Members also debated reductions and increases in specific accounts, including funding for the National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy cleanup and Office of Science, and Army Corps programs. The bill now moves to the full Appropriations Committee for consideration; the subcommittee record shows a recorded favorable report and instructions to deliver the revised bill and report ahead of the full committee meeting.