Appropriations Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2021 Energy and Water Development Funding Bill

WASHINGTON — The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2021 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies bill on a vote of 30 to 21. The legislation funds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior programs, the Department of Energy, and other related agencies.

For fiscal year 2021, the Energy and Water Development bill invests $49.6 billion in Energy and Water Development programs, an increase of $1.26 billion, or 3 percent, above the fiscal year 2020 enacted level. To respond to the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing economic recession, the bill provides an additional $43.5 billion in emergency spending.

“This bill provides the foundation of critical investments to combat climate change, to upgrade and strengthen our nation’s energy and water infrastructure, and to responsibly fund our nation’s nuclear deterrent while rejecting the Administration’s dangerous plan to restart nuclear explosive testing,” said House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Chairwoman Marcy Kaptur. “In addition to regular appropriations, the bill cues up additional infrastructure investments to help our nation recover from the economic recession hastened by the coronavirus pandemic, and spurs economic recovery by rebuilding and modernizing our water and energy infrastructure. This bill rejects the President’s drastic and short-sighted proposed cuts and instead invests in important programs that keep our nation at the forefront of global energy innovation; enable the efficient shipment of goods; and provide water, irrigation, and electricity to millions of Americans. These programs are the lifeblood for millions of Americans and propel real economic growth.”

“The bill represents a serious commitment to ensure a clean energy future, reduce risk to our infrastructure, and secure our safety and prosperity. These investments hedge against the need for even greater resources in the event of infrastructure failures, natural disasters, severe weather events, or attacks on our security,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey. “With this bill, we can get Americans back to work, rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, and embrace a clean energy future.”

The following amendment to the bill was adopted by the full Committee:

Rep. Kaptur – The manager’s amendment makes technical and noncontroversial changes to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.

A summary of the bill is here. The text of the bill, prior to adoption of amendments in full committee, is here. The bill report is here.

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