H.R. 9022 · 119th Congress · Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1377 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1181, H.R. 9022, H.R. 8595 and H.R. 9237. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 1181 and H.R. 9237 under a closed rule and H.R. 9022 and H.R. 8595 under a structured rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
Energy and Water Spending Bill for Fiscal Year 2027
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027
Deep dive July 8, 2026
This bill sets federal spending for energy and water programs. It covers the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Department of Energy. It also moves about $2.68 billion in unspent funds to nuclear projects and adds new spending rules.
What to know
- About $2.68 billion in unspent funds from renewable energy, carbon capture, and fossil energy programs would move to small and advanced nuclear reactor projects.
- The Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation must get approval from Congress before moving money between projects.
- Visitors who can legally own guns may carry them at Army Corps of Engineers recreation sites. They must follow the gun laws of the state where the site is located.
- Federal money cannot go to privately run nuclear fuel storage sites unless Congress approves and the state, local governments, and tribes all agree.
- No funds can be used to sell oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to buyers tied to the Chinese Communist Party, or to any buyer who would send that oil to China.
- Spending caps for two federal water programs are raised. The Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater program limit goes from $50 million to $177.5 million. The Water Desalination Act program limit goes from $30 million to $106.5 million.
Heads up
8 buried provisions
Provisions we flagged do not match the bill's stated purpose, or repeat language from bills that did not pass on their own.
Firearms rule at Corps water projects (Section 108)
Why we flagged this
This section is inside a spending bill. But it changes gun rules at all Army Corps water sites. It stops the Army from banning firearms there if state law allows them. This is a policy change, not just funding.
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As of the date of enactment of this Act and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of the Army shall not promulgate or enforce any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm, including an assembled or functional firearm, at a water resources development project covered under section 327.0 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations
Secretary's broad waiver power over DOE spending rules (Section 301(g))
Why we flagged this
The Energy Secretary can waive spending rules in this title if following them would pose a risk to "welfare" or other broad terms. The word "welfare" is not defined. This gives wide power to skip normal controls on billions of dollars.
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The Secretary of Energy may waive any requirement or restriction in this section that applies to the use of funds made available for the Department of Energy if compliance with such requirement or restriction would pose a substantial risk to human health, the environment, welfare, or national security.
Ban on rule for clean energy in federal buildings (Section 311)
Why we flagged this
This blocks a specific 2024 rule about clean energy in new federal buildings. It uses the spending bill to stop an existing regulation. This is a policy change tucked into funding language.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to finalize, administer, implement, or enforce the final rule entitled "Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings" published by the Department of Energy in the Federal Register on May 1, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 35384).
Freeze on indirect cost rate changes (Section 312)
Why we flagged this
DOE must keep using the 2024 indirect cost rules for grants. It cannot change them. This locks in how much overhead universities and labs can charge on federal grants. It is a big policy choice placed inside a funding bill.
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In making Federal financial assistance, the Department of Energy shall continue to apply the indirect cost rates, including negotiated indirect cost rates, as described in section 200.414 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, including with respect to the approval of deviations from negotiated indirect cost rates, to the same extent and in the same manner as was applied in fiscal year 2024: Provided, That none of the funds appropriated in this or prior Acts or otherwise made available to the Department of Energy may be used to develop, modify, or implement changes to such negotiated indirect cost rates.
Repurposing of infrastructure law funds (Section 313)
Why we flagged this
This section pulls back about $2.77 billion in unspent money from the 2021 infrastructure law. It moves the money to nuclear programs and loan guarantees. This shifts large sums away from carbon capture, renewables, and fossil energy programs Congress funded before.
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The funds specified in this subsection are the unobligated balances from amounts provided in title III of division J of Public Law 117–58, as follows: (1) $594,613,407 of the amounts provided under the heading "Energy Programs—Carbon Dioxide Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account"; (2) $590,900,593 of the amounts provided under the heading "Energy Programs—Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy"; (3) $439,486,000 of the amounts provided under the heading "Energy Programs—Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations"; and (4) $1,150,000,000 of the amounts provided under the heading "Energy Programs—Fossil Energy and Carbon Management".
Paperwork Reduction Act waiver for entity-of-concern checks (Section 308(e))
Why we flagged this
The Paperwork Reduction Act sets rules for how agencies collect information from the public. This section turns those rules off for the new screening process. That means less public review of what DOE asks grant seekers to submit.
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Chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the "Paperwork Reduction Act"), shall not apply to the implementation of the requirements under this section.
Ban on SPR oil sales linked to China (Section 307)
Why we flagged this
This blocks sales of Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil to any buyer tied to the Chinese Communist Party. It also blocks exports of that oil to China. The terms "ownership, control, or influence" are broad and could reach many buyers.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to draw down and sell petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (1) to any entity that is under the ownership, control, or influence of the Chinese Communist Party; or (2) except on condition that such petroleum products will not be exported to the People's Republic of China.
Intelligence funding deemed authorized (Section 302)
Why we flagged this
This treats intelligence spending as if Congress already approved it, even before the yearly intelligence law passes. The bill does not list the specific activities. This gives broad cover for spending on unnamed intelligence work.
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Funds appropriated by this or any other Act, or made available by the transfer of funds in this Act, for intelligence activities are deemed to be specifically authorized by the Congress for purposes of section 504 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3094) during fiscal year 2027 until the enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027.
Section by section
Overall spending authority for energy and water programs
This opening section sets up the entire bill. It tells the federal government that the money listed throughout the bill comes from the U.S. Treasury. The funds have not already been set aside for another purpose. The money covers energy and water programs for the fiscal year that ends September 30, 2027.
Federal agencies that handle energy and water programs, and the public that uses those programs.
Spending this money on energy and water programs means those funds are not available for other federal uses.
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the following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027
Limits on moving funds between Army Corps of Engineers projects
This section sets rules for when the Army Corps of Engineers can move (reprogram) money from one project to another. Most shifts require prior approval from both chambers' Appropriations Committees. There are specific dollar caps depending on the type of work. For investigations, agencies can shift up to 25 percent of a project's budget, capped at $150,000. For construction, the limit is 15 percent, capped at $3,000,000. For operation and maintenance, the Corps can act without limit in emergencies, but must notify Congress soon after. Moves of less than $50,000 do not need to be reported. Within 60 days of the Act passing, the Secretary must send Congress a report showing the funding baseline for each account.
The Army Corps of Engineers and the federal agencies funded under Title I of this Act are directly affected. Contractors, local governments, and communities tied to Corps projects may also be affected if funds are shifted.
These rules give Congress tighter oversight over how money is spent, but they also slow the Corps' ability to quickly shift funds when conditions change, except in emergencies.
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None of the funds provided in title I of this Act...shall be available for obligation or expenditure through a reprogramming of funds that: (1) creates or initiates a new program, project, or activity; (2) eliminates a program, project, or activity...unless prior approval is received from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
Spending limits for the Secretary
This section tells the Secretary of the Army (who oversees the Army Corps of Engineers) how to spend the money provided in this law. The Secretary must follow the specific rules written in this law and in the committee report that goes with it. That includes decisions about which new projects can start. The Secretary cannot move money around freely or start new projects on their own.
The Secretary of the Army and the Army Corps of Engineers are directly affected. Communities waiting on water and energy projects may also be affected, since project funding decisions must follow the law and the report.
Keeping spending tied strictly to the law and report limits the Secretary's flexibility but gives Congress more control over how money is used.
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The Secretary shall allocate funds made available in this Act solely in accordance with the provisions of this Act and in the report accompanying this Act, including the determination and designation of new starts.
Spending limits on contracts
This section stops agencies from signing or changing contracts that would spend more money than is currently available for a program. In other words, a contract cannot promise future payments that go beyond the unspent funds already set aside. There is one exception: funds moved between programs through a reprogramming process (described in section 101) can also count toward that limit.
Federal agencies that award contracts under this part of the bill. Contractors who bid on or hold those contracts are also affected.
This rule keeps spending within approved limits, but it may slow or block contracts when available funds run low before new money is approved.
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None of the funds made available in this title may be used to award or modify any contract that commits funds beyond the amounts appropriated for that program, project, or activity that remain unobligated
Fish and wildlife mitigation funding transfer
This section lets the Army Corps of Engineers move up to $8,733,000 to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The money comes from the Corps' existing Operation and Maintenance funds. The Fish and Wildlife Service can then use that money to help replace fish populations harmed by Corps projects, such as dams or waterway construction.
Federal agencies involved are the Army Corps of Engineers and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Fisheries and the communities that depend on them near Corps projects are also affected.
Moving money to fish restoration may offset harm to fisheries, but it reduces the funds available for other Corps operation and maintenance work.
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The Secretary of the Army may transfer to the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Fish and Wildlife Service may accept and expend, up to $8,733,000 of funds provided in this title under the heading Operation and Maintenance to mitigate for fisheries lost due to Corps of Engineers projects.
Lake Erie dredged material disposal rules
This section limits how money in the bill can be spent on disposing of material dredged from Lake Erie or its tributaries. The Army Corps of Engineers cannot dump that dredged material directly into the open lake unless a state approves it under federal clean water law (Section 401 of the Clean Water Act). Until a state gives that approval, the Corps must place the dredged material on land instead. The cost rule still applies: the Corps must first look for the least costly, environmentally acceptable disposal method.
The Army Corps of Engineers is directly affected, as it manages dredging projects on Lake Erie. Port communities, shipping interests, and people living near Lake Erie are also affected, because dredging keeps waterways navigable.
Keeping dredged material on land protects the lake's water quality, but upland disposal can cost more and requires finding suitable land sites.
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None of the funds in this Act shall be used for an open lake placement alternative for dredged material, after evaluating the least costly, environmentally acceptable manner for the disposal or management of dredged material originating from Lake Erie or tributaries thereto, unless it is approved under a State water quality certification pursuant to section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Ban on water supply study at Wolf Creek Dam, Kentucky
This section stops any federal money in this bill from being used for a water supply reallocation study at Wolf Creek Dam and Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. A reallocation study looks at how water stored in a reservoir is divided among different uses, such as drinking water, flood control, or power generation. The dam was originally authorized in 1946. No such study can be started or continued with funds from this appropriations act.
Federal agencies (mainly the Army Corps of Engineers) that might conduct such a study. Communities, water utilities, and other users near Lake Cumberland in Kentucky could also be affected if a reallocation study would have changed how water is shared.
Blocking the study saves money and keeps current water allocations in place, but it also prevents a formal review of whether those allocations still meet the needs of the region.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to carry out any water supply reallocation study under the Wolf Creek Dam, Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, project authorized under the Act of July 24, 1946 (60 Stat. 636, ch. 595).
Army Corps of Engineers project eligibility requirement
This section says that any extra money provided in this bill can only go to projects that the Chief of Engineers has approved as eligible. The Chief of Engineers is the top officer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. That office reviews projects such as flood control, navigation, and water infrastructure work. A project must pass that review before it can receive the additional funds.
Federal agencies and local governments seeking Army Corps of Engineers project funding. Any project that has not been cleared by the Chief of Engineers cannot receive the extra money.
This rule adds a review step that limits spending to approved projects, but it may slow or block funding for projects that have not yet completed that review.
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Additional funding provided in this Act shall be allocated only to projects determined to be eligible by the Chief of Engineers.
Firearms allowed at Army Corps water projects
This section stops the Secretary of the Army from making or enforcing rules that ban firearms at water resource development projects, such as reservoirs and recreation areas managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The ban on Army rules applies starting on the day this law is signed. A person may carry a firearm at these sites as long as two conditions are met. First, the person must be legally allowed to own a firearm under existing law. Second, the firearm must be carried in a way that follows the gun laws of the state where the site is located. If a state bans certain types of carry, that state rule still applies.
People who visit Army Corps of Engineers recreation sites, such as lakes and reservoirs. It also affects the Army Corps itself, which loses authority to set its own firearm rules at those sites.
Visitors gain the ability to carry firearms at these federal sites, but the Army Corps loses the power to set its own safety rules there, and the rules will vary by state.
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the Secretary of the Army shall not promulgate or enforce any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm, including an assembled or functional firearm, at a water resources development project
Congressional access to basic project information
This section says that none of the money in this bill can be used to block Congress from getting basic facts about projects. That includes things like schedules, budget details, required reports, cost estimates, and project status updates. The information must be provided in a timely way. In short, agencies cannot use bill funds to keep Congress in the dark about how projects are going.
Federal agencies that receive money through this bill. Members of Congress who oversee those agencies and their projects.
Congress gets faster access to project information, but agencies may need to spend time and resources preparing and sharing that information.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to prevent the access of Congress to basic, factual information, such as project schedule statuses, budget justification materials, statutorily required execution reports, damage repair estimates, project capabilities, and other budgetary and nonbudgetary project information in a timely fashion.
Limits on moving water project funds around
This section sets rules for how the Bureau of Reclamation can move money between water projects. The agency cannot start new projects, cancel existing ones, or shift more than 15 percent of a program's budget (or $400,000 for smaller programs) without first getting approval from both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Moving more than $500,000 between two main budget categories also requires committee approval. So does moving more than $5,000,000 to cover legal settlements or contractor costs. The bureau must send a report every three months to both committees listing all money that was moved. The first report is due within 60 days after the law takes effect.
The Bureau of Reclamation, which manages water and power projects in the western United States. It also affects contractors and communities that depend on those projects.
Congress keeps tighter control over how water funds are spent, but the bureau has less flexibility to respond quickly to changing project needs without waiting for committee approval.
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None of the funds provided in title II of this Act for Water and Related Resources...shall be available for obligation or expenditure through a reprogramming of funds that— (1) initiates or creates a new program, project, or activity; (2) eliminates a program, project, or activity...
San Luis Unit drainage rules and repayment requirements
This section puts two limits on federal spending related to the San Luis Unit, a federal water project in California. First, no money from this law can be used to decide where the San Luis Unit's interceptor drain will empty until the federal government and California agree on a plan. That plan must meet California water quality standards and must reduce harm from the drain water. Second, the costs of two cleanup programs (the Kesterson Reservoir Cleanup and the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Program) must be sorted into reimbursable or nonreimbursable categories. Those costs must be repaid following repayment plans set out in a 1995 Bureau of Reclamation report. Any future federal spending on drainage services or studies for the San Luis Unit must be fully paid back by the people or entities that benefit from those services.
Federal water users and agricultural interests in the San Luis Unit area of California's San Joaquin Valley who benefit from federal drainage services. The Bureau of Reclamation and the State of California are also directly involved.
Tying cleanup cost repayment to a 1995 plan provides a clear repayment structure, but it also locks in older terms that may not reflect current costs or conditions.
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Any future obligations of funds by the United States relating to, or providing for, drainage service or drainage studies for the San Luis Unit shall be fully reimbursable by San Luis Unit beneficiaries of such service or studies pursuant to Federal reclamation law.
Water program deadline extensions and funding limit increases
This section makes three changes to existing water laws. First, it extends a deadline in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act from 2021 to 2027, and it sets a fixed expiration date of December 16, 2034 for a related program instead of using a 10-year countdown. It also adds a cutoff of December 16, 2026 for certain water project applications. Second, it raises the spending cap for the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater program from $50 million to $177.5 million. Third, it raises the spending cap for the Water Desalination Act program from $30 million to $106.5 million.
Communities and agencies that rely on federal water recycling, groundwater, and desalination programs. This includes western states where the Bureau of Reclamation funds water reuse and desalination projects.
Higher spending caps allow more projects to receive federal support, but they also authorize a larger potential draw on federal funds.
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Section 1602(g)(1) of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act ( 43 U.S.C. 390h ) is amended by striking $50,000,000 and inserting $177,500,000 .
Calfed Bay-Delta program extension and funding increase
This section makes two changes to the Calfed Bay-Delta Authorization Act, a federal water program for California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region. First, it extends the program by replacing the year 2022 with 2027 wherever that date appears in the law. This keeps the program active for five more years. Second, it raises a spending cap in one part of the law from $32.6 million to $40 million. That is an increase of about $7.4 million for that specific program activity.
California water users, farmers, cities, and environmental programs that rely on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta water supply. Federal agencies that manage the Calfed program are also affected.
Extending the program and raising the spending cap keeps water management work going in California, but it also commits federal funds for additional years.
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shall be applied by substituting 2027 for 2022 each place it appears... is amended by striking $32,600,000 and inserting $40,000,000
Northwestern New Mexico rural water project funding increase
This section updates an existing law about a rural water project in northwestern New Mexico. It raises the spending cap for the project from $1.815 billion to $1.97 billion. It also extends the deadline for that cap from 2024 to 2027. In short, more money is allowed, and the project has more time to use it.
Residents and communities in northwestern New Mexico who rely on this rural water project. Federal taxpayers fund the project.
The higher cap and later deadline allow the project to continue, but they commit up to $155 million more in federal funds.
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is amended by striking $1,815,000,000 and inserting $1,970,000,000 ; and (2) shall be applied by substituting 2027 for 2024 .
Fort Peck rural water system deadline extension
This section changes a deadline in an older law about a rural water system on the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana. The original law set 2026 as the cutoff year for certain program activities and funding. This section moves that cutoff from 2026 to 2028. This gives the program two more years to operate under its current rules.
People on or near the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana who rely on the rural water system. Federal agencies managing or funding the project are also affected.
Extending the deadline keeps the water program running longer, but it also extends federal spending and oversight for two more years.
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by striking 2026 and inserting 2028
Department of Energy spending controls and congressional notification
This section sets rules for how the Department of Energy can spend its money. The Department cannot start new programs or seek contracts for programs that Congress has not already funded. Before making grants or contracts worth $1 million or more, the Department must give Congress at least 3 business days' notice. For smaller grants under $1 million, it must send Congress a quarterly report. Multi-year contracts must either be fully funded upfront or include a clause saying future payments depend on future funding. The Department must also get approval from Congress at least 30 days before moving more than $5 million or 10 percent of funds from one program to another. The Secretary can waive these rules if there is a serious risk to health, the environment, or national security, but must tell Congress within 3 days.
The Department of Energy and its contractors, grant recipients, and National Laboratories are directly affected. Congressional appropriations committees gain oversight over spending decisions.
These rules give Congress tighter oversight of energy spending, but they also add steps and delays before the Department can act on grants, contracts, or budget changes.
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none of the funds made available in this title may be used to— (A) make a grant allocation or discretionary grant award totaling $1,000,000 or more; (B) make a discretionary contract award or Other Transaction Agreement totaling $1,000,000 or more... unless the Secretary of Energy notifies the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at least 3 full business days in advance
Temporary authorization for intelligence spending
This section keeps intelligence-related spending legal during fiscal year 2027. Federal law requires Congress to specifically authorize money for intelligence activities. If Congress has not yet passed a separate Intelligence Authorization Act for 2027, this section fills that gap. It treats any intelligence funds in this bill, or moved to intelligence purposes by this bill, as already authorized. That temporary authorization lasts only until Congress passes the dedicated Intelligence Authorization Act for 2027.
Federal intelligence agencies that receive funding through this energy and water appropriations bill. It also affects any agency that transfers funds to intelligence activities under this bill.
This keeps intelligence programs funded without a gap, but it means intelligence spending can proceed before the dedicated oversight process of a standalone Intelligence Authorization Act is complete.
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Funds appropriated by this or any other Act, or made available by the transfer of funds in this Act, for intelligence activities are deemed to be specifically authorized by the Congress for purposes of section 504 of the National Security Act of 1947 ( 50 U.S.C. 3094 ) during fiscal year 2027 until the enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027.
Independent safety oversight for high-hazard nuclear construction
This section blocks federal money from being spent on building certain nuclear facilities unless an independent office checks the work. The office that must do the checking is the Office of Enterprise Assessments. That office must confirm the project follows nuclear safety rules set under federal regulation 10 CFR Part 830. The rule only applies to facilities rated as 'high-hazard' nuclear sites. If that independent review is not in place, no funds from this bill can go toward construction.
Federal agencies and contractors building high-hazard nuclear facilities funded by this bill. The Office of Enterprise Assessments is also directly involved as the required oversight body.
Adding required independent oversight can slow down or add cost to construction projects, but it provides a check that safety rules are being followed at the most dangerous nuclear sites.
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None of the funds made available in this title shall be used for the construction of facilities classified as high-hazard nuclear facilities under 10 CFR Part 830 unless independent oversight is conducted by the Office of Enterprise Assessments to ensure the project is in compliance with nuclear safety requirements.
Independent cost review for large construction projects
This section blocks the Department of Energy from moving large construction projects past two key approval stages. Those stages are called Critical Decision-2 and Critical Decision-3. They are part of a formal project management process. Before a project costing more than $100 million can pass either stage, someone outside the project team must produce their own cost estimate. That outside estimate is called an independent cost estimate. No funds from this bill can be used to approve those stages until that outside estimate exists.
The Department of Energy and the contractors and agencies managing its large construction projects costing over $100 million are affected.
Adding an independent cost check may catch budget problems early, but it also adds a step that could slow down project approvals.
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None of the funds made available in this title may be used to approve critical decision-2 or critical decision-3 under Department of Energy Order 413.3B...for construction projects where the total project cost exceeds $100,000,000, until a separate independent cost estimate has been developed for the project for that critical decision.
Independent oversight required for large grants
This section sets a rule for big federal awards. If a grant, discretionary grant, or cooperative agreement tops $100 million in federal money, the project must use internal independent project management procedures. In other words, the agency must have an inside oversight process that runs separate from the people managing the project day to day. Projects under $100 million are not covered by this rule.
Federal agencies giving out large grants or cooperative agreements, and the organizations receiving those awards. Any project getting more than $100 million must meet the oversight requirement.
The rule adds a layer of oversight that may catch problems early on large projects, but it also adds administrative steps that could slow down or complicate the award process.
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None of the funds made available in this title may be used to support a grant allocation award, discretionary grant award, or cooperative agreement that exceeds $100,000,000 in Federal funding unless the project is carried out through internal independent project management procedures.
Block on transferring Western Area Power Administration funds to Treasury
This section stops a specific transfer of money. It blocks the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) from moving any funds out of the Colorado River Basins Power Marketing Fund and into the general Treasury during the current budget year. WAPA is a federal agency that sells electricity from dams and other federal power projects in the West. Normally, surplus funds from that account could be sent to the Treasury. This section prevents that from happening for one year.
The Western Area Power Administration and the federal government's general budget. Customers and operations tied to Colorado River Basin power sales may also be indirectly affected.
Keeping the funds inside WAPA's account preserves money for power operations, but it also means those dollars do not flow to the general Treasury, which could otherwise use them to offset other federal costs.
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No funds shall be transferred directly from Department of Energy—Power Marketing Administration—Colorado River Basins Power Marketing Fund, Western Area Power Administration to the general fund of the Treasury in the current fiscal year.
Ban on selling Strategic Petroleum Reserve oil to China-linked buyers
This section blocks the use of any funds in this bill to sell oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in two situations. First, no sale can go to any company or group owned, controlled, or influenced by the Chinese Communist Party. Second, no sale can happen unless the buyer agrees not to export that oil to China. Both conditions must be met for a sale to be allowed.
Federal agencies that manage the Strategic Petroleum Reserve are affected. Companies or countries that buy reserve oil, and any buyers with ties to China, are also affected.
The restriction may protect national energy security, but it could also limit the pool of buyers and affect how quickly the government can sell reserve oil in an emergency.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to draw down and sell petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (1) to any entity that is under the ownership, control, or influence of the Chinese Communist Party; or (2) except on condition that such petroleum products will not be exported to the People's Republic of China.
Blocking large grants to entities of concern
This section stops the Secretary of Energy from giving grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or loans of $10 million or more to an 'entity of concern.' That term is defined in a 2022 law (Public Law 117-167) and generally refers to organizations linked to certain foreign adversaries. The Secretary must use a risk-based approach and data tools to review applicants. Applicants can be required to submit paperwork to prove they are not an entity of concern. The normal federal paperwork rules (the Paperwork Reduction Act) do not apply here, so the agency can collect documents without the usual approval process. Federal agencies must share information with each other to carry out this rule. The section must be applied in a way that follows any existing U.S. international agreements.
Any company, university, or organization applying for or receiving Energy Department funding of $10 million or more. Entities linked to foreign adversaries are most directly affected.
This rule may reduce the risk of federal energy funds reaching foreign-linked entities, but it adds screening steps that could slow down or complicate the funding process for applicants.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Secretary of Energy to award any grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or loan of $10,000,000 or greater to an entity of concern as defined in section 10114 of division B of Public Law 117–167.
Limits on foreign nationals entering nuclear weapons facilities
This section blocks the use of bill funds to let non-U.S. citizens from Russia or China into nuclear weapons production facilities. It covers all areas except those open to the general public. There is one exception. The Department of Energy can allow entry if it notifies the relevant House and Senate committees at least 30 days before the visit. Those committees are the Appropriations and Armed Services committees of both chambers.
Non-U.S. citizens from Russia or China who might visit nuclear weapons production facilities. It also affects Department of Energy officials who manage access to those sites.
The rule adds a security check on foreign national access to sensitive sites, but it also requires advance planning and formal notification that could slow down some approved visits.
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None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to admit any non-U.S. citizen from Russia or China to any nuclear weapons production facility...unless 30 days prior to facility admittance, the Department of Energy provides notification to the Committees on Appropriations and Armed Services of both Houses of Congress.
Flexible spending rules for small business and technology programs
This section lets the Department of Energy move money more freely within certain budget accounts. Normally, moving funds between programs requires following strict rules set in Section 301 of this bill. This section creates an exception for two specific programs: the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, and the Technology Commercialization Fund. Money set aside for these programs can be shifted within the same account without going through the usual approval steps. However, the office that originally received the funding must still be involved in choosing and managing any awards given out.
Small businesses that apply for federal research and technology grants from the Department of Energy. It also affects the Department of Energy offices that manage these funds.
Giving program managers more flexibility to move money quickly could speed up support for small businesses, but it reduces the oversight normally required before funds are shifted.
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may be reprogrammed within each account without being subject to the restrictions in section 301 of this title: Provided, That the administration and selection of awards pursuant to such sections will be in coordination with the offices that oversee the appropriations accounts to which the relevant funding was originally appropriated.
Block on clean energy building rule for federal buildings
This section stops any money in this bill from being used to carry out a specific Department of Energy rule. That rule, published on May 1, 2024, set clean energy standards for new federal buildings and major renovations of federal buildings. No funds can be used to finish writing, manage, put into effect, or enforce that rule.
Federal agencies that build new buildings or do major renovations. It also affects contractors and builders who work on federal construction projects.
Blocking the rule may lower upfront construction costs for federal projects, but it also means new federal buildings would not have to follow the energy standards the rule would have required.
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None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to finalize, administer, implement, or enforce the final rule entitled Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings published by the Department of Energy in the Federal Register on May 1, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 35384).
Freeze on indirect cost rate changes at the Department of Energy
This section tells the Department of Energy to keep using the same overhead cost rules it used in fiscal year 2024. These rules set how much of a grant or contract can go toward a recipient's general operating costs, like rent and administration. The rules come from a federal regulation called 2 CFR 200.414. The section also blocks the Department from spending any money to create, change, or put in place new versions of these overhead rate rules.
Universities, national labs, nonprofits, and companies that receive Department of Energy grants or contracts and get reimbursed for indirect costs. Federal staff who work on setting or updating those cost rates are also affected.
Keeping 2024 rates gives grant recipients cost stability, but it also prevents the Department from updating rates if actual costs have changed since 2024.
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none of the funds appropriated in this or prior Acts or otherwise made available to the Department of Energy may be used to develop, modify, or implement changes to such negotiated indirect cost rates.
Shifting energy funds toward nuclear reactor projects
This section moves unspent money from four clean energy programs into nuclear energy work. About $2.68 billion goes to support small modular nuclear reactors and advanced reactor demonstration projects. Another $100 million goes to a loan program for new energy technologies. The money comes from leftover, unspent funds that were originally set aside by a 2021 infrastructure law for carbon dioxide transportation, energy efficiency and renewable energy, clean energy demonstrations, and fossil energy programs. Within 15 days of the bill becoming law, the Department of Energy must send Congress a report showing exactly where each dollar came from and where it went.
Companies and researchers building small modular nuclear reactors and advanced reactors will gain access to more funding. Programs originally funded for clean energy, renewables, and carbon management will see their unspent balances reduced.
Nuclear reactor projects receive more funding, but unspent money for renewable energy, carbon capture, and fossil energy programs is redirected away from those original purposes.
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$2,675,000,000 shall be transferred to, and merged with, amounts provided in this Act under the heading Nuclear Energy that remain available until expended, and in addition to amounts otherwise available, shall only be available for the not more than two competitive awards for Generation 3+ small modular reactor deployment projects
Nuclear Regulatory Commission rules for responding to Congress
This section requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to follow a specific version of its own internal rules when answering requests for information from Congress. The version required is from July 5, 2011. The NRC must also stay in line with Department of Justice guidance that applies to all federal agencies. This locks in a particular set of procedures rather than letting the NRC use updated or different internal rules.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and members of Congress who request information from it. Indirectly, it affects anyone whose interests depend on Congress getting timely or detailed information from the NRC.
Using a fixed 2011 rulebook gives Congress a consistent, predictable process, but it also means the NRC cannot apply any newer internal procedures it may have developed since then.
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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall comply with the July 5, 2011, version of Chapter VI of its Internal Commission Procedures when responding to Congressional requests for information, consistent with Department of Justice guidance for all Federal agencies.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission budget transfer rules
This section sets rules for how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) can move money between its programs. Before shifting more than $500,000 or 10 percent of a program's funding (whichever is smaller), the NRC must give Congress 30 days' notice. The NRC can skip that notice if waiting would create a serious risk to health, safety, or national security. In that case, it must still tell Congress within 3 days and explain the risk. Money cannot be moved to boost any program that Congress has already denied or restricted funding for. Each month, the NRC must send both Appropriations Committees a report showing total budget authority, unspent funds, and unpaid obligations for every program.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the congressional Appropriations Committees are directly affected. Indirectly, any organization or activity funded by the NRC could be affected if funds are shifted.
Requiring advance notice gives Congress oversight over spending shifts, but it could slow the NRC's response to urgent safety situations, which is why an emergency waiver option is included.
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the Commission shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at least 30 days prior to the use of any proposed reprogramming that would cause any program funding level to increase or decrease by more than $500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less
Ban on using funds to lobby Congress
This section bars any money from this bill from being used to influence Congress on pending laws or spending bills. Agencies cannot spend these funds to lobby lawmakers, directly or indirectly. There is one exception: agencies may still communicate with members of Congress in the limited way allowed under federal law (18 U.S.C. 1913). That law permits basic informational contact but bans paid lobbying of Congress.
Federal agencies and departments that receive money through this bill. Any staff or contractors paid with these funds must follow this rule.
This provision limits how agencies can use public money to shape legislation, but it also restricts their ability to advocate directly to Congress for programs or priorities they oversee.
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None of the funds appropriated by this Act may be used in any way, directly or indirectly, to influence congressional action on any legislation or appropriation matters pending before Congress, other than to communicate to Members of Congress as described in 18 U.S.C. 1913.
Limits on moving money between agencies
This section sets rules on moving funds in and out of accounts covered by Title III of this bill. Money from those accounts cannot be sent to other government agencies unless a law or this bill specifically allows it. Money from other agencies also cannot flow into Title III accounts without the same kind of legal permission. There is one standard exception: agencies can still exchange money when one agency provides goods or services to another. Agency heads must report to Congress every six months on any fund transfers they made, including how much was moved and why.
Federal agencies that receive funds under Title III of this bill, which covers the Department of Energy and related agencies. Congressional appropriations committees also receive the required reports.
The rules keep tighter control over how agencies move money, but they add reporting work for agency staff.
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None of the funds made available in title III of this Act may be transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government, except pursuant to a transfer made by or transfer authority provided in this Act or any other appropriations Act for any fiscal year.
Block pornography on government computer networks
This section says that no money from this bill can be used to run a government computer network unless that network blocks pornography. Blocking must cover viewing, downloading, and exchanging such content. There is one exception: law enforcement agencies and other groups that handle criminal investigations, prosecutions, or court cases can still access such content if needed for their work.
Federal agencies funded by this bill must add pornography-blocking controls to their networks. Law enforcement and legal agencies doing criminal work are exempt.
The rule aims to keep government networks free of pornographic content, but it requires agencies to set up and maintain filtering systems, which adds administrative and technical costs.
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None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and exchanging of pornography.
Consent required before federal funds support interim nuclear fuel storage
This section blocks federal money from being used for privately run, temporary storage sites for spent nuclear fuel. The block applies unless Congress has specifically approved the storage arrangement. It also requires that the state, local governments, and any affected Native American tribes formally agree before federal funds can flow. The rule does not apply to facilities that already hold a Nuclear Regulatory Commission license and are already storing commercial spent nuclear fuel on the date this law takes effect. The definition of spent nuclear fuel follows the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982.
Private companies seeking federal support for new interim nuclear fuel storage sites. State and local governments, and Native American tribes near proposed storage sites, gain a formal say in whether such projects proceed.
Giving communities a formal veto over nearby storage sites adds a layer of protection for those communities, but it may slow or block the development of new storage capacity for spent nuclear fuel.
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No federal monies shall be expended in furtherance of any agreement among private entities for consolidated interim storage of spent nuclear fuel that is not specifically authorized under federal law until such time that host state and local governments and any affected Indian tribes have formalized their consent.
Zero funding provision
Section 505 sets a funding amount of zero dollars. This means no money is provided under this section. It is a placeholder or a deliberate decision to fund nothing for whatever item this section covers. The bill text gives no further detail about what program or purpose this zero amount applies to.
Anyone who would have received funding under this section. Without more context, it is not possible to identify a specific group.
Setting the amount to $0 means no spending occurs here, but it also means no funds are available for whatever purpose this section was meant to cover.
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505. $0
Citations
- Congress.gov bill text: link (retrieved 2026-07-08)
Public record
Below is the official voting record from Congress.gov. It is not our analysis.
Source: Congress.gov
This bill has no recorded roll-call vote yet. A roll-call vote records how each member voted by name.
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