Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann

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

Fleischmann Statement on Democrat Government Shutdown

Position: Rep. Fleischmann opposes the government shutdown and calls on Democrats to pass a clean continuing resolution to fund the government through November 21, arguing that shutdowns harm Americans and weaken national security.

Chattanooga, TN – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, released the following statement after Democrats recklessly shut down the federal government as of 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, October 1, 2025. “I’ve long said that government shutdowns are stupid and always cause more harm than good. Nearly two weeks ago, my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee led the way for the House to pass a simple, clean, non-partisan, short-term Continuing Resolution (C.R.) that would fund our government until November 21. Sadly, instead of working with Republicans in the House and Senate to pass the identical C.R. that Democrats supported in March, Democrats have chosen to block our non-partisan funding bill and force a government shutdown on the American People,” said Rep. Fleischmann. “Our fellow Americans have the bare expectation that Congress keeps the lights on and doors open. That’s why I have principledly voted to avoid government shutdowns under both Republican and Democrat presidents. It’s time for Democrats to end their pointless political posturing and stop blocking the clean C.R. that is sitting in the Senate, collecting dust on Chuck Schumer’s desk. Every day that the Democrat Shutdown continues is another day that Americans are thrown into uncertainty, troops are not paid, our border security is weakened, and the high cost to taxpayers to reopen the government grows.” “Once Schumer inevitably caves and Senate Democrats stop blocking the clean C.R., my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee and in the House will be ready to resume our good-faith negotiations to reach a FY26 funding deal that meets the needs of the American People.” ### Issues:Border SecurityNational DefenseEconomy and Jobs

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

Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives met to consider the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. The measure was approved by a vote of 214 to 213. Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) said, “The cornerstones of President Trump’s and Republicans’ plan to renew America are abundant energy, a strong military, and rebuilt, modern infrastructure projects that replace our crumbling, dated national infrastructure. The passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water bill strengthens America by investing in the modernization of our national security and nuclear deterrent, securing American global leadership in new nuclear, funding waterways infrastructure from coast to coast, and reducing our reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals. As Chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations subcommittee, I am proud that my bill does important work to revitalize America while being a responsible steward of the American people’s tax dollars. I thank the Trump Administration, Chairman Cole, and my colleagues for their close collaboration and strong support for my bill and urge the Senate to quickly follow the House’s lead and pass my FY26 Energy and Water bill.” House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, “America’s prosperity begins with energy. The Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Act unleashes American energy dominance, lowers costs for families and businesses, and restores confidence in our grid. Energy strength is national strength—fueling jobs, innovation, and resilience in every community—and no longer will traditional energy sources be punished for being affordable and reliable. This bill also makes a historic commitment to critical mineral production, securing the resources America needs to reduce dependence on adversaries and power the technologies of tomorrow. U.S. safety and security are further prioritized through modernizing our nuclear deterrent and safeguarding technology from the CCP and other hostile regimes. Further, it backs vital investments in water infrastructure, ports, and flood control that protect communities and keep commerce moving. Under Chairman Fleischmann’s leadership, this measure makes clear that America will lead with strength built on abundant domestic energy and resources. I am proud to support this bill and an America First energy future.” Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $57.300 billion, which is $766.4 million below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level. The defense portion of the allocation is $33.223 billion, and the non-defense portion of the allocation is $24.077 billion. The bill prioritizes funding for agencies and programs that safeguard U.S. national security, unleash American energy dominance, and advance economic competitiveness. Key Takeaways Champions America’s nuclear deterrent and strengthens national security by: Providing $20.662 billion for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure. Providing $2.171 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 $1.984 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. Prohibiting the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment from China and other adversaries. Supports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by: Codifying President Trump’s executive actions by prohibiting funding for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Critical Race Theory programs and ending federal censorship of free speech. Continuing the prohibition on funding for any discriminatory action against individuals advocating for traditional marriage. Allowing for the lawful carry of firearms on Corps of Engineers land. 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. Maintaining funding for 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 no funds for the Department of Energy 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. A summary of the bill, before adoption of amendments, is available here. Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here. Bill report, before adoption of amendments, is available here. ### Issues:EnvironmentInfrastructureNational DefenseNuclear EnergyEnergyEconomy and Jobs