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23h ago

Energy Secretary Defends Budget Cuts and Reviews in Contentious House Hearing

Chris Wright argues for a 9% DOE budget reduction while facing bipartisan criticism over clean energy cuts, project reviews, and alleged funding freezes.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright testifies during a House hearing on Department of Energy’s budget on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
On Wednesday, Energy Secretary Chris Wright clashed with House Democrats over a range of fiscal issues during a House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies budget hearing at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Overview

  • The Trump administration's proposed FY 2026 DOE budget reduces funding by $4.5 billion, including over $15 billion in cuts to clean energy programs from the 2021 Infrastructure Law.
  • Energy Secretary Chris Wright testified that no funding has been frozen, fewer than 1,000 employees have left voluntarily, and project reviews are ongoing to align with administration priorities.
  • Democratic lawmakers questioned Wright on $67 billion in allegedly withheld funds, paused hydrogen hub projects, and potential job losses, which Wright denied or attributed to restructuring efforts.
  • Republican representatives expressed concerns about cuts to nuclear energy budgets and toxic waste cleanup, warning of potential setbacks to innovation and environmental safety.
  • Wright emphasized the administration's focus on nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and efficiency, claiming the changes aim to enhance U.S. energy leadership and streamline DOE operations.