Defense bill’s energy, environment amendments pile up

By Andres Picon | 09/08/2025 06:41 AM EDT

Lawmakers have submitted over 1,000 proposals covering nuclear energy, minerals and environmental protections.

Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) emerges from a meeting at the Capitol.

Senate Foreign Relations Chair Jim Risch (R-Idaho) wants his “International Nuclear Energy Act” to be part of the fiscal 2026 defense authorization. Francis Chung/POLITICO

The House and Senate are on track to pass their versions of the annual defense policy bill this week, and lawmakers have already submitted dozens of amendments on energy and environment issues.

In the House, the Rules Committee will meet Monday afternoon to line up amendments for its fiscal 2026 defense authorization, H.R. 3838, which will be considered on the floor later in the week.

Members have submitted more than 1,100 proposals on everything from “forever chemicals” and remediation to advanced nuclear energy and disaster response.

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Senate leaders are finalizing a manager’s package of amendments ahead of a vote on their “National Defense Authorization Act,” S. 2296.

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