Energy Hearing: The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Energy Budget

This was a House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing held on April 16, 2026, focused on the Department of Energy's fiscal year 2027 budget. The hearing featured extensive discussion on energy policy priorities, budget allocations, and the department's role in addressing energy security, affordability, and reliability amid global geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict with Iran. Secretary Chris Wright testified on the administration's efforts to maintain grid reliability, support nuclear energy development including small modular reactors, and manage the strategic petroleum reserve. The budget proposal includes funding shifts favoring fossil fuel infrastructure modernization and nuclear energy, while proposing cuts to some clean energy and energy efficiency programs, which drew criticism from committee members. Several members raised concerns about grant cancellations, permitting reform, and the impact of energy policies on consumer costs and grid stability. The hearing also covered the department’s loan programs, public-private partnerships for energy projects, and the role of AI and critical minerals in future energy strategy. Votes interrupted the hearing, but members committed to submitting additional questions for the record.