DNFSB could receive 7% increase in Trump 2026 request

President Donald Trump’s fiscal 2026 budget request is seeking $45 million for the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB), which is 7% more than the $42 million enacted for fiscal 2025.

“This increase to safety oversight is imperative for DNFSB to keep pace with NNSA’s [the National Nuclear Security Administration] significantly increased weapons production schedule and to effectively ensure adequate protection of workers, the public, and the nation’s critical weapons production capability,” according the budget justification document.

“Weapons production can only continue if it is done safely, and DNFSB’s safety oversight functions strengthen public confidence in the safety and security of our Nation’s nuclear weapons production infrastructure,” according to the document.

The administration’s budget document also seeks the equivalent of 120 staff for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1, which is two more than the enacted level for fiscal 2025.DNFSB is statutorily capped at 130 federal full-time equivalents. 

The safety watchdog board was created by congress to provide independent recommendations and advice to the Department of Energy’s defense nuclear facilities.

The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board is structured to be overseen by a five-member panel, although there are only two members and three vacancies.