The House Appropriations Committee has approved the fiscal year 2015 Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill on a bipartisan voice vote. The legislation provides annual funding for national defence nuclear weapons activities, the Army Corps of Engineers, various programs under the Department of Energy (DOE), and other related agencies.
The bill totals $34 billion – a $50 million reduction from the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and an increase of $327 million above the President’s request.
“This legislation has very clear priorities – reinforcing our national defence through nuclear security, boosting our economy by facilitating important infrastructure projects, investing in American energy, and holding the line on federal spending,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers said. “In this bill, we targeted the funding toward programs that focus on these goals, and reduced spending where prudent and where it is in the best interest of our nation.”
Energy and Water Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson also commented on the importance of the bill:
"This bill reflects the tough decisions necessitated by our challenging fiscal environment, while placing emphasis where it is needed most: meeting critical national security needs and investing in our nation's infrastructure," Chairman Simpson said. "It prioritizes the maintenance and safety of our nuclear weapons stockpile, while also funding important infrastructure projects and research that will increase U.S. economic competitiveness and growth."
The following amendments to the bill were adopted by the full committee today:
- Rep. Simpson – The manager’s amendment makes technical and non-controversial changes to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
- Rep. Dent – The amendment prohibits funds to implement, finalize, or enforce a new DOE regulation on ceiling fans. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
- Rep. Fleischmann – The amendment adds report language clarifying a provision in the bill to protect pension plan contributions by the National Nuclear Security Administration. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
- Rep. Graves – The amendment prohibits funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to enforce a ban on firearms on Corps land, as long as the possession of the firearm is in compliance with state law.
The amendment was adopted on a vote of 31-18. For the text of the bill, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/bills-113hr-sc-ap-fy2015-energywater-subcommitteedraft.pdf
For the bill report, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/hrpt-113-hr-fy2015-energywater.pdf
Source: appropriations.house.gov