Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (July 11, 2014) – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4923, the Fiscal Year 2015 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill with a bipartisan vote of 253-170.  The bill provides annual funding for national defense nuclear weapons activities, various Department of Energy programs, and Army Corp of Engineers projects. The bill totals $34 billion, which is a $50 million reduction from the fiscal year 2014 enacted level.

Congressional Western Caucus Co-Chairs Steve Pearce (NM-02) and Cynthia Lummis (WY-At Large) along with Western Caucus member and Energy and Water Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson (ID-02) released the following statements in response to the bill’s passage:

“This bill funds essential Department of Energy, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers projects in a fiscally responsible manner,” said Chairman Pearce. “The bill funds the construction, maintenance, and research of the dams, pipelines, watersheds, and irrigation systems that Western communities rely on every day.  It also funds the research into energy efficiency projects and new energy sources that will lead to economic growth and job creation. I urge the Senate to act on this bipartisan legislation to ensure the funding of these vital projects and initiatives.”

“First and foremost, the bill prioritizes our national security, which is paramount,” said Chairman Lummis.  “It does so while also finding room for critical water and other infrastructure in the west and nationwide, and cutting overall spending to boot.  The energy policies reflected in the bill are also steps in the right direction, from the allocation of energy research dollars to the bill’s provisions shoring up our domestic supply chain for nuclear energy.  I commend Chairman Simpson for his work and hope for prompt action in the Senate.” 

"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."