Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027
Sponsored By: Representative Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3]
In Committee
Summary
Major funding for water and energy, paired with strict spending and reporting controls. This bill would direct large sums to Army Corps civil works, Interior water and reclamation programs, and Department of Energy accounts while adding tight notice, reporting, and project‑approval rules.
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- Coastal and river communities would get money for flood control, dredging, and harbor upkeep, including about $6.3 billion for operation and maintenance and $2.4 billion for Corps construction.
- Western water users, tribal programs, and California restoration efforts would receive targeted support, including $1.7 billion for the Bureau of Reclamation and $32.0 million for Bay‑Delta work.
- Research, clean energy, and nuclear programs would see sizeable investments and new oversight. It provides $8.5 billion for science accounts and $300 million for ARPA‑E and imposes strict prior‑notice, quarterly reporting, and reprogramming limits for DOE awards and projects.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
11 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 7 mixed.
More money for water projects
If enacted, the bill would raise several water program authorizations. It would increase a Reclamation authorization to $177.5 million, raise a desalination authorization to $106.5 million, and increase Northwestern New Mexico rural water project authorization to $1.97 billion. The bill would also update related statutory dates to 2027 where noted.
Local water project protections
If enacted, the bill would block Act funds from some local water actions until specific state or EPA approvals are in place. It would bar a water supply reallocation study at Wolf Creek Dam and stop open‑lake dredged material placement from Lake Erie unless a State 401 water quality certification approves it. The bill would delay San Luis Unit discharge decisions until California and the Interior create an EPA‑approved plan and would require beneficiaries to repay cleanup and drainage costs under the February 1995 repayment plans. It would also let the Army transfer up to $8.733 million to Fish and Wildlife for fisheries mitigation.
Nuclear safety and funding changes
If enacted, the bill would move $2.675 billion of specified unobligated balances into the Nuclear Energy account and transfer $100 million to the Title 17 loan program. It would require independent Office of Enterprise Assessments oversight before federal money could be used to build high‑hazard nuclear facilities. The bill would also bar federal money toward private consolidated interim spent fuel storage unless host states, local governments, and affected tribes give formal consent, and it would require 30 days' notice to congressional committees before admitting certain non‑U.S. citizens from Russia or China into nuclear weapons production sites beyond public areas.
Stronger NRC spending oversight
If enacted, the bill would require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to give 30 days' notice to the Appropriations Committees before reprogramming more than $500,000 or 10 percent, unless waiving notice to prevent substantial risk. If waived, the NRC must notify the committees within 3 days and give detailed reports. The NRC would also send a monthly report listing budget authority, unobligated balances, and unliquidated obligations for each program.
New DOE award and project rules
If enacted, this bill would add new rules for Department of Energy awards, contracts, and projects. DOE would be barred from giving grants, contracts, or loans of $10 million or more to certain "entities of concern," and awards over $100 million would need internal independent project management. For DOE construction projects above $100 million, an independent cost estimate would be required before key approvals. The bill would also keep FY2024 negotiated indirect cost rate treatment, tighten prior notice and reporting rules for awards (including 3 business days' notice for many awards above $1 million), limit multiyear funding unless fully funded or conditioned with 3 days' notice, and let DOE reprogram only with committee notice for changes over $5 million or 10 percent.
Block pornography on funded networks
If enacted, the bill would bar using Act funds to set up or run computer networks unless those networks block viewing, downloading, and exchanging of pornography. The rule exempts networks used for law enforcement, criminal investigations, prosecutions, or adjudications. This could change how libraries, schools, and other grantees run public networks.
Limit SPR sales to non-China buyers
If enacted, the bill would bar use of these funds to draw down and sell Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil to buyers owned, controlled, or influenced by the Chinese Communist Party. It would also condition sales on the oil not being exported to the People's Republic of China. The rule narrows eligible buyers and adds an export restriction.
Limits on Reclamation fund moves
If enacted, the bill would restrict how the Bureau of Reclamation and Title III funds can be reprogrammed or transferred. It would set dollar and percent caps (for example, 15% or $400,000 limits depending on program size) and require prior approval for larger transfers. It would also change some WIIN Act dates and extend an expiration to December 16, 2034. Agencies using transfer authority would need to report and get committee approvals in more cases.
Protect WAPA power funds this year
If enacted, the bill would bar direct transfers this fiscal year from the Western Area Power Administration's Colorado River Basins Power Marketing Fund to the Treasury general fund. That keeps those monies in the power account for the current budget year.
Ban using funds for lobbying
If enacted, the bill would bar using funds made available by this Act to influence Congressional action on legislation or appropriations. The only communications allowed are those permitted by 18 U.S.C. 1913. This limits advocacy paid for with these federal funds.
Corps project rules and access
If enacted, this bill would limit how additional Act funds can be allocated to Corps projects by requiring the Chief of Engineers to find projects eligible before getting those extra allocations. The bill would also bar using Act funds to prevent Congress from getting timely factual project information like schedules and budgets. The bill would stop the Army from enforcing rules that ban firearms at certain Corps water projects when state law allows lawful possession.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3]
TN • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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