Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann Applauds $2.5 Million for Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Health Science, STEM Education

Position: The release announces $2.5 million in federal funding for Tennessee Wesleyan University to modernize its Fisher Hall of Science and expand Health Science and STEM education programs, and expresses support for the investment as a means of workforce development.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) is proud to announce that he has secured $2,500,000 in federal funding for Tennessee Wesleyan University to enhance its Health Science and STEM education programs. The funding will support major renovations, and equipment upgrades at the university’s Fisher Hall of Science in Athens, Tennessee. “This $2.5 million investment is about building a brighter future for East Tennessee,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “Modernizing Fisher Hall of Science empowers our students, including many from first-generation and underserved backgrounds, to excel and launch successful careers right here at home. These graduates are essential to meeting the workforce needs in advanced manufacturing, nuclear technologies, and artificial intelligence, vital to our region’s economic growth. This is a win for our students and for our region’s future.” The project will modernize the 30,000-square-foot Fisher Hall of Science, which has not been significantly updated since its completion in 1968. Planned improvements include new flooring, laboratory countertops, HVAC system upgrades, network cabling, and advanced scientific equipment. The initiative will also provide faculty training and implement systems to track student progress from enrollment through job placement. With these enhancements, Tennessee Wesleyan University aims to increase student enrollment and research participation in biology, chemistry, and environmental science, while also improving student outcomes such as graduation rates and job placements. The upgrades will particularly benefit first-generation and low-income students who rely on the university’s science programs, as well as regional employers seeking a pipeline of highly skilled graduates. Issues:EducationInfrastructureNational DefenseNuclear EnergyEnergyEconomy and Jobs

House Passes Congressman Fleischmann’s Benton MacKaye Act

Position: The release announces House passage of H.R. 2768, a bill authorizing a feasibility study to determine whether the Benton MacKaye Trail should be designated a National Scenic Trail, and the sponsor supports this step.

Washington, DC – The House of Representatives passed U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann’s (TN-03) bill, H.R. 2768, the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Stidy Act of 2026. This piece of legislation authorizes the critical next step in naming the Benton MacKaye Trail a National Scenic Trail. "I was proud to see HR 2768 pass on the House floor. This legislation takes first steps in designating the Benton Mackaye Trail, which stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, a National Scenic Trail. The BMT is long overdue for recognition, and this critical distinction will bring better resources and maintenance to a wonderful and heavily used alternative to the Appalachian," said Congressman Fleischmann. “The Benton MacKaye Trail runs through Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Rep. Fleischmann’s legislation authorizes a study to determine if the trail can be designated as a National Scenic Trail. I commend Rep. Fleischmann for his dedication to improving outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Chairman Westerman. The Benton MacKaye Trail runs approximately 287 miles from Springer Mountain in North Georgia, through East Tennessee and Western North Carolina, into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ending at Big Creek in the Northeast corner of the park. The Benton MacKaye Trail provides numerous opportunities for easy, moderate, and challenging day hikes, many routes for multi-day backpacking and camping, and of course, for the most serious hikers, end-to-end thru hikes. ### Issues:Environment

Rep. Fleischmann, Chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, Releases FY27 Legislation

Position: The release describes an FY27 Energy and Water appropriations bill that prioritizes nuclear weapons modernization, restrictions on sales of Strategic Petroleum Reserve crude and nuclear-facility access for China and Russia, expanded nuclear energy capacity, critical minerals production, and waterway maintenance, and supports lawful firearm carry on Corps of Engineers land.

Washington, DC – The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, written by Chairman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) provides a total discretionary allocation of $58.5 billion, which is $461 million above the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level. The defense portion of the allocation is $35 billion, and the non-defense portion of the allocation is $23.5 billion. The bill prioritizes funding for agencies and programs that safeguard U.S. national security, unleash American energy dominance, and advance economic prosperity. Bill Text KEY TAKEAWAYS Champions America’s nuclear deterrent and strengthens national security by: Modernizing the nuclear weapons stockpile, strengthening production capabilities, and ensuring a safe, secure, and reliable deterrent to counter growing threats from our adversaries. Sustaining and modernizing the U.S. Navy’s nuclear propulsion program, ensuring a safe, reliable fleet and maintaining America’s strategic advantage. Targeting resources to deny, detect, and defeat nuclear threats by securing nuclear materials, countering proliferation, and strengthening rapid-response capabilities to protect the American people and our allies. Prohibiting the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party. Prohibiting access to U.S. nuclear weapons production facilities by citizens of China and Russia. Prohibiting the Department of Energy from providing financial assistance to any foreign entity of concern. Supports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by: Advancing the Trump Administration’s goal to quadruple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 and regain international dominance in the nuclear market. Protecting 2nd Amendment rights to allow for the lawful carry of firearms on Corps of Engineers land. Preventing costly regulatory mandates on federal buildings that would require the use of unreliable energy sources at taxpayer expense. Furthering President Trump’s executive order on the Genesis Mission, a coordinated national effort to leverage artificial intelligence to accelerate discovery, strengthen national security, and drive energy innovation. Restores American energy dominance and bolsters the national economy by: Increasing investments focused on mining production technologies for critical minerals extraction, which will build the domestic supply chain and reduce reliance on foreign sources. Prioritizes research and development efforts on baseload energy sources and maintains funding for programs that deliver affordable energy prices for Americans. Accelerating research, testing, and demonstration of advanced nuclear technologies to strengthen U.S. energy security, industrial competitiveness, and global leadership. Facilitating the efficient transport of goods and commodities through improvements and maintenance of America’s ports and waterways. Maintaining funding for cybersecurity efforts that enable a resilient, reliable, and secure electric grid. Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by: Eliminating funds for the Department of Energy Biden-era Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations or Office of Energy Justice and Equity. Refocusing applied energy technology program funding to ensure taxpayer resources are directed to the highest priority research and development efforts. Reducing global dependency on the U.S. for foreign nuclear reactor conversions. ### Issues:InfrastructureNational DefenseNuclear EnergyEnergy

Fleischmann, Hegseth Highlight Need for Nuclear Deterrent in Defense Appropriations Hearing

Position: The representative states concern about the lack of lower-escalation nuclear options available to the president in theater and emphasizes the need to modernize the nuclear deterrent, including non-strategic nuclear capabilities for NATO and Indo-Pacific deterrence.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) on Tuesday discussed the Department of War’s budget with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine during the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Hearing. Congressman Fleischmann highlighted the importance of modernizing our nation’s nuclear deterrence and his work on the House Energy and Water Appropriations Committee. You can find Congressman Fleischmann's questions below: Video Link “Congressman Fleischmann: To everyone on this panel, thank you for the job well done. Thank you for what you're doing for our country. This is truly incredible. So let me start with that. As chairman of the energy and water subcommittee, I'm going to take a little bit different approach. I'm deeply involved in the recapitalization and modernization of our nation's nuclear deterrent, as we are recapitalizing the entire strategic nuclear arsenal. I remain concerned about the lack of options lower on the escalation ladder available to the president in theater. Non-strategic nuclear weapons have remained essential to the credibility of our extended deterrent commitment to NATO. I've got a couple of questions to ask, but I'm going to ask General Keane and Secretary Hegseth, what is your assessment of our non-strategic nuclear capability, gaps in the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere? What additional tactical nuclear capabilities beyond SLCM-N, and should we consider that would be most useful for reassuring allies, deterring our adversaries, and providing combatant commands and useful options in the worst-case event of a conflict? Secretary Hegseth: We are, as you know, making a $2 billion investment. And you mentioned SLCM-N on FY 26. So, we're investing in that. But I would say that a lot of that discussion would be classified, given all plans in the Indo-Pacific. But Admiral Paparo, I would say there's no Cocom commander We have regular feedback with on what dilemmas we might need to create for an adversary. Then admiral Paparo and IndoPacom, to include everything that would deter any level of aggression. So, I think there's a lot of sensitivity on this topic that doesn't lend itself to this environment, but very much so. We're looking at all options. Congressman Fleischmann: Thank you. And I would also commend Admiral Paparo. I mean they're doing incredible work. Yessir, General? General Caine: Sir, I was just acknowledging the Secretary's comment about what forum we're in here today. You know, all three and I appreciate the congress's leadership. All three legs of the triad are undergoing modernization, and all require that. And we're grateful for that assistance from the Congress. It's a bedrock to deterrence around the world, and one that we want to maintain our focus on. I'll probably leave it at that and can come back if there's follow up questions. Congressman Fleischmann: Thank you. And I would assure you, gentlemen, that in the energy and water bill which funds this, we will certainly address that in a very robust way, as I think the administration has. So, I thank you all. As most of you know, in that bill, I'm probably the nation's strongest proponent, supporter of nuclear power in Congress. A nuclear propulsion is long provided a great United States Navy with significant operational advantages. There's been tremendous progress within your department accelerating the adoption of nuclear energy as a means of providing resilient and long duration power generation for military installations and forward operations. I'm excited about the army's Janus program. And the air force just announced the first two air bases to receive microreactors. My question, gentlemen, can you walk us through how the department is thinking about the role of nuclear power across the joint force, including naval propulsion and the use of advanced reactors for base and expeditionary power? What operational advantage did you see these technologies providing, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, and what can we be doing to accelerate and expand these efforts? Secretary Hegseth: In both incredibly important capabilities, microreactors and propulsion. Whether you're looking at survivability, sustainability of, basing and mobility within basing, and the expectation in the homeland or abroad that the lights are on and we can operate even if it's a contested environment. And then there's just no doubt, you can't beat nuclear propulsion, especially as we've refined it over time. So, I appreciate your efforts. And I think in this department, you'll find a friend in ensuring we maximize that. Congressman Fleischmann: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. General? General Caine: Sir, I'll just say that the joint staff has collaborated and continues to do so with all the combatant commands, the services, the secretary's team in office on OSW and the congress to make sure that we're looking at the range of energy requirements that we're going to have. And that we move from, frankly, in some cases, a reactive posture, no reaction to your nuclear point, but to a more proactive stance around how we're going to ensure energy and sustainability in a range of situations that we could face. We appreciate the chance to comment. Congressman Fleischmann: Thank you, General. And again, once again, I begin with profound thanks. I will end that way. To all of you. I yield back.” ### Issues:National DefenseNuclear EnergyEnergy

Chairman Chuck Fleischmann Speaks to the National Lab Research SLAM Finalists

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), released the statement below following his appearance prior to the Department of Energy’s third annual National Lab Research SLAM competition. Three years ago, the Department of Energy hosted a collaborative research competition displaying the vast knowledge and expertise from all 17 National Laboratories in the United States Capitol. Our National Lab System is at the cutting edge of addressing science’s most pressing challenges including artificial intelligence, energy technology, advanced materials, national security, and beyond. The National Lab Research SLAM competition empowers early career researchers from our National Laboratories to communicate groundbreaking science to broad audiences. One researcher represents their respective National Lab and presents their research to a panel of esteemed judges in the nation’s capital. “As Chairman of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I have the opportunity to witness the best and brightest working on the hardest scientific and technological challenges, but the National Labs Research SLAM stands out as a favorite of mine. The most promising young researchers from across the United States represent their respective National Labs right here in Washington, D.C. presenting their incredible research and earning the recognition of their peers in the research community. We cannot take for granted that the United States will lead in science and technology as we have for decades. The outstanding young men and women in this competition represent our best hope for an even better future,” said Rep. Fleischmann. “I support all 17 National Labs and I am incredibly proud to support these incredible scientific minds, but Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) of course has a special place in my heart. As Oak Ridge’s representative in Congress, I will be cheering slightly louder for Bryan Conry of ORNL. I wish all the competitors the best because the true winners are the American people and ultimately the world that will benefit from their breakthroughs and innovations!”

Chairman Chuck Fleischmann Hosts Secretary Chris Wright for the FY27 DOE Budget Hearing

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations Committee, lead a hearing to discuss the Department of Energy’s funding for the 2027 fiscal year. “As Chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations, it has been an honor to work with Secretary Wright to deliver the agenda the American people demanded of us. I am working with my colleagues to support the aggressive pace of the Administration to do just that, whether it’s unleashing our energy abundance or revolutionizing scientific discovery with artificial intelligence through the Genesis Mission,” Rep. Fleischmann. “I am encouraged by the Department’s continued focus on critical research areas, including high performance computing, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, nuclear energy, and critical minerals. I am particularly pleased to see that the Secretary appropriately places nuclear at the forefront of achieving American energy dominance. Finally, I fully support the continued strong investments in NNSA to sustain and modernize our nuclear arsenal. Our nuclear deterrent remains indispensable to U.S. national defense” In November, President Trump issued an executive order launching the Genesis Mission, an ambitious effort to advance discovery science, enhance our national security, and accelerate new energy technologies through the use of an artificial intelligence platform that brings together the National Labs and industry collaborators and leverages the Department’s high-performance computing, quantum systems, and artificial intelligence expertise. Issues:National DefenseNuclear EnergyEnergy

President Donald Trump Signs Chairman Chuck Fleischmann’s FY26 Energy and Water Bill into Law

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, released the following statement following President Donald J. Trump signing Rep. Fleischmann’s Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development bill into law. President Trump’s signature follows overwhelming support for Chairman Fleischmann’s Energy and Water bill in the House, when it passed 419-6. “When the American People elected President Trump to return to the White House and Republicans to control Congress, we vowed to change the status quo in Washington and make real changes that put Americans First after years of being ignored by DC politicians. With President Trump’s strong support and under the leadership of our Chairman, Tom Cole, we have done what the naysayers said was impossible – pass all 12 appropriations bills, including my historically strong FY26 Energy and Water Appropriations Act,” said Rep. Fleischmann. “The FY26 Energy and Water bill puts America First by unleashing American-made energy dominance, expanding new nuclear nationwide, investing in modernizing our waterways infrastructure from coast to coast, strengthening our nuclear arsenal and Nuclear Navy, and keeping America as the global scientific leader as our National Labs carry out President Trump’s GENESIS Mission.” “I thank President Trump, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Speaker Johnson, and all my colleagues for their support and collaboration to make my FY26 Energy and Water bill one of the best ever for the American People. The Golden Age of Appropriations is here!” More Information on FY26 Energy and Water Development Bill: Bill Summary Community Project Funding ### Issues:EnvironmentInfrastructureNational DefenseNuclear EnergyEnergyEconomy and Jobs

Chairman Chuck Fleishmann’s Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Bill Passes House

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, released the following statement following passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Act in the House of Representatives. The House voted to pass Chairman Fleischmann’s bill by a vote of 397 to 28. “As part of President Trump’s and House Republicans’ mission to renew our great nation, we promised to unleash American-made energy, invest in our military, and modernize infrastructure nationwide. The Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Act, which I led and successfully passed in the House, strengthens America by investing in our nuclear deterrent to counter aggression from Russia and China, funding essential upgrades for our ports and waterways infrastructure – including full funding for the Chickamauga Lock: a critically important project for Tennessee, and strengthening our electrical grid to enhance its resiliency,” said Energy and Water Chairman Fleischmann. “The Energy and Water bill also makes historic commitments to decrease our reliance on China’s monopoly of critical minerals, makes America the global leader in the technologies of tomorrow like AI, quantum, and supercomputing, continues to provide robust funding for America’s next-generation Nuclear Navy, and ensures that we continue unleashing American energy dominance to lower energy prices. I am proud that the FY26 Energy and Water bill puts America First and delivers for our great nation. I thank the Trump Administration, Chairman Cole, and my bipartisan colleagues in the House and Senate for their collaboration and support to pass my Energy and Water bill. I look forward to President Trump signing my bill into law.” Energy and Water Chairman Fleischmann’s remarks on the House Floor in support of the FY26 Energy and Water bill are available HERE. Key Takeaways: Champions America’s nuclear deterrent and strengthens national security by: Providing $20.38 billion for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure. Providing $2.13 billion to support the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet by investing in infrastructure and new technologies to maintain America’s advantage over our adversaries. Providing $2.37 billion to reduce the danger of hostile nations or terrorist groups acquiring nuclear weapons. Prohibiting the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party. Prohibiting access to U.S. nuclear weapons production facilities by citizens of China and Russia. Prohibiting the Department of Energy from providing financial assistance to any foreign entity of concern. Restores American energy dominance and bolsters the national economy by: Supporting one of the largest investments focused on mining production technologies for critical minerals extraction in decades, reducing reliance on foreign sources. Robustly funding small modular reactor and advanced reactor demonstration projects, as well as increasing funding for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to expand capacity for the review, licensing, and oversight of new nuclear reactors. These investments are key to regaining international dominance in the nuclear market and achieving the Trump Administration’s goal to expand nuclear energy capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050. Facilitating the efficient transport of goods and commodities through improvements and maintenance of America’s ports and waterways. Increasing investments to develop new baseload geothermal energy sources to capitalize on our vast domestic resources. Strongly funding cybersecurity efforts that enable a resilient, reliable, and secure electric grid. Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by: Eliminating the Biden-era Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations. Including zero funds for the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Justice and Equity. Refocusing applied energy technology program funding to ensure taxpayer resources are directed to the highest priority research and development efforts. The detailed funding summary of the FY26 Energy and Water Appropriations Act can be found HERE. ### Issues:EnvironmentInfrastructureNational DefenseNuclear EnergyEnergyEconomy and Jobs

Energy and Water Chairman Chuck Fleischmann Applauds Funding to Deploy U.S. Small Modular Reactors

Position: Chairman Fleischmann supports expanding nuclear power deployment through federal funding and an 'all-of-the-above' energy policy that prioritizes nuclear as a key component of meeting future U.S. energy demands.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, applauded today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) of the selection of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Holtec Government Services to support early deployments of next-generation Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the United States. Chairman Fleischmann established the $800 million federal cost-shared funding grant program in his Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Energy and Water bill. “As Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, and Tennessee’s Appropriator in Congress, I have made it my mission to not only expand new nuclear nationwide but ensure that Tennessee leads our nation in developing and deploying cutting-edge nuclear technologies that will create America’s New Nuclear Future. There is no denying the reality that America needs more power. The only way that we will meet our future energy demands is through a robust ‘all-of-the-above’ energy policy that puts nuclear power at the forefront,” said Chairman Chuck Fleischmann. “TVA and East Tennessee are primed to spearhead the deployment of next-generation SMRs that will fundamentally change America’s energy future. I also want to congratulate Holtec, which will deploy two SMRs in Michigan, on being chosen for this award. The Clinch River Site and Palisades Nuclear Generating Station both have proud nuclear energy legacies and are deservedly at the forefront of this next step forward for American nuclear power. Today’s grant announcement from DOE is further proof that under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are unleashing American Energy Dominance and ushering in a Golden Age for new nuclear.” “The road to get to today began when Congress passed my historic Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water bill to strengthen our domestic nuclear industry, and I commend TVA, DOE, and the Trump White House for their work in making today’s announcement a reality. We cannot slow down in our progress to create our New Nuclear Future, and I will keep working tirelessly as Energy and Water Chairman to continue to build on this phenomenal work that will be the cornerstone of America’s energy future.” U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said, “President Trump has made clear that America is going to build more energy, not less, and nuclear is central to that mission. Advanced light-water SMRs will give our nation the reliable, round-the-clock power we need to fuel the President’s manufacturing boom, support data centers and AI growth, and reinforce a stronger, more secure electric grid. These awards ensure we can deploy these reactors as soon as possible.” U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn(R-TN) said, “Tennessee is leading the way to deliver reliable, affordable, and secure energy for the American people. The Tennessee Valley Authority will play a critical part in shaping our country’s nuclear energy future, and I’m thrilled the TVA has been selected for a grant from the Department of Energy to accelerate the deployment of a small modular reactor at the Clinch River site.” U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) said, “Tennessee is quickly becoming the epicenter for nuclear innovation. I appreciate President Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright for their confidence in our region. This grant will help advance the nation’s first Gen III+ SMR which is an important step forward for strengthening America’s energy future. It is clear that Tennessee is positioned to lead the next era of nuclear energy. President Trump’s leadership has helped renew momentum in America’s nuclear sector and support the resurgence of our industrial base. I look forward to seeing Tennessee play a central role in shaping the future of nuclear power for the country.” Don Moul, TVA President and CEO said, “TVA is once again answering our nation’s call. Our employees are leading the way with advanced nuclear to power not just homes and businesses, but the technologies that will define America’s future. As AI, data centers, and digital infrastructure drive unprecedented energy demand, we’re building our nation’s nuclear energy foundation right here in the Tennessee Valley. This is about more than innovation, it’s about creating lasting opportunity, lowering energy costs, and securing a better tomorrow for American families today.” Grant Award Background: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) - $400,000,000 TVA intends to deploy a GE Hitachi BWRX-300 at the Clinch River Nuclear Site in Tennessee and accelerate the deployment of additional units in coordination with Indiana Michigan Power in Indiana and Elementl in Alabama. The effort would also strengthen the domestic nuclear supply chain through planned work with Scot Forge, North American Forgemasters, BWX Technologies, and Aecon. Other partners supporting the project include Duke Energy, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, and the Electric Power Research Institute. Holtec Government Services, LLC (Holtec) - $400,000,000 Holtec intends to deploy two SMR-300 reactors at the Palisades Nuclear Generating Station in Covert, Michigan, providing a potential viability model for additional domestic and international orders. The company is pursuing an innovative one-stop-shop approach to SMR deployment, serving as the technology vendor, supply chain vendor, nuclear plant constructor, operator, and electricity merchant selling the power to nearby utilities and end users. In March 2025, DOE issued a $900 million solicitation to de-risk the deployment of Gen III+ SMRs, and the remaining $100 million will be awarded later this year to support additional deployments and address key barriers in design, licensing, supply chain, and site readiness. For more information, visit the Gen III+ SMR webpage here. ### Issues:Nuclear EnergyEnergyEconomy and Jobs

Chairman Fleischmann Statement on End of the Democrat Government Shutdown

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to reopen the federal government, ending Chuck Schumer's and Democrats' longest government shutdown in history. "From the beginning of the Democrats' Government Shutdown, beginning on September 19, when I voted for the clean, non-partisan Continuing Resolution (C.R.) to keep our government open, I have said that this government shutdown - purposely caused by Democrat politicians like Chuck Schumer – was indefensible and a farce on the American People. Shutting down the government is always wrong, yet Democrats chose to cause innocent Americans unnecessary pain for over 42 days, said Congressman Fleischmann." "For 42 days, Americans who rely on SNAP benefits have been in turmoil. For 42 days, federal workers like air traffic controllers, TSA agents, Border Patrol, and patriots in Oak Ridge who keep our nuclear deterrent secure have not been paid. For 42 days, Democrats have chosen to grind the basic functions of government to a halt, regardless of the consequences. For 42 days, the American People have paid the price for Democrats' political games. We cannot ever let a shutdown of this magnitude and length ever happen again." "Tonight was one of the easiest votes I have taken in Congress. I will never vote to shut down our government and cause Americans needless pain. I am glad some Democrats have seen the error of their ways and worked with me and my Republican colleagues in the House and Senate to reopen our government." "With passage of this bill to reopen our government, we now have time before the new January 30 deadline to pass the remaining Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations bills, including my FY26 Energy and Water bill, which passed the House earlier this year. I hope Democrats will work with us to pass commonsense, bipartisan FY26 appropriations bills that meet the American People's needs and will not force another needless government shutdown on our nation." ### Issues:Economy and Jobs