Washington, DC - U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) on Tuesday discussed the Department of War's budget with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine during the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Hearing. Congressman Fleischmann highlighted the importance of modernizing our nation's nuclear deterrence and his work on the House Energy and Water Appropriations Committee. You can find Congressman Fleischmann's questions below:

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"Congressman Fleischmann:

To everyone on this panel, thank you for the job well done. Thank you for what you're doing for our country. This is truly incredible. So let me start with that. As chairman of the energy and water subcommittee, I'm going to take a little bit different approach. I'm deeply involved in the recapitalization and modernization of our nation's nuclear deterrent, as we are recapitalizing the entire strategic nuclear arsenal. I remain concerned about the lack of options lower on the escalation ladder available to the president in theater. Non-strategic nuclear weapons have remained essential to the credibility of our extended deterrent commitment to NATO. I've got a couple of questions to ask, but I'm going to ask General Keane and Secretary Hegseth, what is your assessment of our non-strategic nuclear capability, gaps in the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere? What additional tactical nuclear capabilities beyond SLCM-N, and should we consider that would be most useful for reassuring allies, deterring our adversaries, and providing combatant commands and useful options in the worst-case event of a conflict?

Secretary Hegseth:

We are, as you know, making a $2 billion investment. And you mentioned SLCM-N on FY 26. So, we're investing in that. But I would say that a lot of that discussion would be classified, given all plans in the Indo-Pacific. But Admiral Paparo, I would say there's no Cocom commander We have regular feedback with on what dilemmas we might need to create for an adversary. Then admiral Paparo and IndoPacom, to include everything that would deter any level of aggression. So, I think there's a lot of sensitivity on this topic that doesn't lend itself to this environment, but very much so. We're looking at all options.

Congressman Fleischmann:

Thank you. And I would also commend Admiral Paparo. I mean they're doing incredible work. Yessir, General?

General Caine:

Sir, I was just acknowledging the Secretary's comment about what forum we're in here today. You know, all three and I appreciate the congress's leadership. All three legs of the triad are undergoing modernization, and all require that. And we're grateful for that assistance from the Congress. It's a bedrock to deterrence around the world, and one that we want to maintain our focus on. I'll probably leave it at that and can come back if there's follow up questions.

Congressman Fleischmann:

Thank you. And I would assure you, gentlemen, that in the energy and water bill which funds this, we will certainly address that in a very robust way, as I think the administration has. So, I thank you all. As most of you know, in that bill, I'm probably the nation's strongest proponent, supporter of nuclear power in Congress. A nuclear propulsion is long provided a great United States Navy with significant operational advantages. There's been tremendous progress within your department accelerating the adoption of nuclear energy as a means of providing resilient and long duration power generation for military installations and forward operations. I'm excited about the army's Janus program. And the air force just announced the first two air bases to receive microreactors.

My question, gentlemen, can you walk us through how the department is thinking about the role of nuclear power across the joint force, including naval propulsion and the use of advanced reactors for base and expeditionary power? What operational advantage did you see these technologies providing, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, and what can we be doing to accelerate and expand these efforts?

Secretary Hegseth:

In both incredibly important capabilities, microreactors and propulsion. Whether you're looking at survivability, sustainability of, basing and mobility within basing, and the expectation in the homeland or abroad that the lights are on and we can operate even if it's a contested environment. And then there's just no doubt, you can't beat nuclear propulsion, especially as we've refined it over time. So, I appreciate your efforts. And I think in this department, you'll find a friend in ensuring we maximize that.

Congressman Fleischmann:

Thank you, Mr. Secretary. General?

General Caine:

Sir, I'll just say that the joint staff has collaborated and continues to do so with all the combatant commands, the services, the secretary's team in office on OSW and the congress to make sure that we're looking at the range of energy requirements that we're going to have. And that we move from, frankly, in some cases, a reactive posture, no reaction to your nuclear point, but to a more proactive stance around how we're going to ensure energy and sustainability in a range of situations that we could face. We appreciate the chance to comment.

Congressman Fleischmann:

Thank you, General. And again, once again, I begin with profound thanks. I will end that way. To all of you. I yield back."

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