NNSA Weapons Program Endures Slight Cut From House Appropriators

Lawmakers on the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee are set to recommend a slight $111 million cut to the National Nuclear Security Administration’s weapons program in its version of the Fiscal Year 2015 Energy and Water Appropriations Act, though the $8.20 billion provided for the program represents a $423.2 million increase over FY 2014 enacted funding levels. The Administration asked for $8.31 billion for the NNSA’s weapons program, but a tight subcommittee allocation $50 million less than in FY 2014 made it difficult for the panel to match the Administration’s request.

Details of the appropriations bill have not been released, but Congressional aides say that no specific program is significantly impacted by the cuts, which are spread across the weapons account. “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,” Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), the chairman of the subcommittee, said in a statement. “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.”