Senate appropriators approve nearly $15B in nuclear security funding

The Senate Appropriations energy and water subcommittee this week approved $14.8 billion in nuclear security funding for fiscal year 2019.

"The subcommittee measure provides added resources to strengthen the U.S. nuclear deterrence posture, ensure nuclear stockpile readiness and safety, and prepare for existing and future nuclear threats," according to a statement issued May 22.

The $14.8 billion in FY-19 nuclear security funding is $111 million above the FY-18 enacted level and $311 million below the Trump administration's budget request, and includes money for Energy Department nuclear security programs, "including Weapons Activities, Naval Reactors, and Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation," the statement reads, including:

* $10.9 billion for Weapons Activities, $208 million above the FY2018 enacted level and $311 million below the budget request,

* $1.6 billion for Naval Reactors, the same as the FY2018 enacted level and $167 million below the budget request, and

* $1.9 billion for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, $97 million below the FY2018 enacted level and $39 million above the budget request.

The full committee is scheduled to consider the bill May 24.

House appropriators passed their version of the bill on May 16 by a 29-20 vote. Their $44.7 billion overall bill was $1.5 billion above the FY-18 enacted level and $8.17 billion above the administration's budget request.

"Funding is targeted toward national security efforts -- including nuclear weapons activities -- and energy and water infrastructure investments," according to a House Appropriations Committee statement.

"This legislation will provide the resources to ensure America has the strongest possible nuclear deterrent, which is critically important during this time of rapidly changing global dynamics and emerging threats," committee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) said.

Energy and water subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID) said the bill "places emphasis where it is needed most: meeting critical national security needs and investing in our nation's infrastructure. It prioritizes the maintenance and security of our nuclear weapons stockpile, while also supporting infrastructure projects and strategic research and development that will increase U.S. economic growth and competitiveness."