Press releases

Kennedy-led Energy and Water Development bill passes Appropriations Committee unanimously, includes billions for Louisiana priorities

Jul 20 2023

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, today applauded the Appropriations Committee for approving the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act by a vote of 29-0.

“Making America’s economy and national security strong were guiding priorities for this legislation. This bill increases U.S. investment in key defense programs by six percent, ups our investment in nuclear energy and in producing its fuel sources right here at home, and cuts wasteful non-defense spending. Moreover, we’re increasing the Army Corps of Engineers’ funding by 20 percent over the president’s budget so that the Corps can keep protecting and strengthening Louisiana communities,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy helped secure the following energy and water infrastructure wins for Louisiana and America:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  

  • $5.52 billion for the Operations and Maintenance Account.  
  • $2.771 billion for the maintenance and dredging needs of America’s ports and harbors.
  • $2.03 billion for Army Corps of Engineers construction projects. 
  • $353 million for the Mississippi River and Tributaries Account.
  • $36.5 million for the J. Bennett Waterway, La. (Boggs Lock and Dam). 
  • Includes report language encouraging the Corps to expedite the process to determine eligible pump stations for rehabilitation in accordance with WRDA 22 Section 8152.
  • Funds other Louisiana projects, including the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway deepening feasibility study; Mississippi River Gulf Outlet planning, engineering and design; Calcasieu River and Pass construction; and Morganza to the Gulf construction.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) highlights

  • 10 percent increase in weapons funding above FY23 enacted levels.
  • Six percent increase in overall defense spending and a cut in non-defense spending.
  • $35 million for the Sea-launched Cruise Missile, SLCM-N, to combat emerging Chinese and Russian threats.  
  • $142 million for nuclear core pit production so America’s nuclear weapons can be modernized and continue to act as a deterrent. 
  • $925 million for advanced nuclear fuel production.
  • $420 million for work to support regulatory development, design and demonstration activities for small modular reactors.
  • $255 million for quantum computing and information science, including $120 million for research and $125 million for the five National Quantum Information Science Research Centers in order to beat China in the quantum computing race. 
  • $30.1 million for the Delta Regional Authority.