U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann discussed the Department of War’s budget with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine during a House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Hearing, according to a May 12 statement. Fleischmann highlighted the need for modernizing the nation’s nuclear deterrent and referenced his work on the House Energy and Water Appropriations Committee.
The topic is significant as it addresses both national security concerns and energy strategy, focusing on how nuclear capabilities support U.S. military readiness. Fleischmann said, “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.” He expressed concern about gaps in non-strategic nuclear options available to U.S. leadership.
Secretary Hegseth responded by noting ongoing investments: “We are, as you know, making a $2 billion investment. And you mentioned SLCM-N on FY 26… But I would say that a lot of that discussion would be classified…” General Caine added, “All three legs of the triad are undergoing modernization… It’s a bedrock to deterrence around the world.”
Fleischmann also raised questions about using advanced reactors for military power generation: “A nuclear propulsion has long provided a great United States Navy with significant operational advantages… What operational advantage did you see these technologies providing?” Hegseth replied that microreactors and propulsion were “incredibly important capabilities,” emphasizing their role in survivability and sustainability for bases at home or abroad.
General Caine concluded by describing ongoing collaboration across services to ensure proactive planning for future energy needs: “We move from…a reactive posture…to a more proactive stance around how we’re going to ensure energy and sustainability in a range of situations that we could face.” Fleischmann closed by thanking all participants for their service.
Fleischmann is currently serving in Congress representing Tennessee’s 3rd district since 2011 after replacing Zach Wamp according to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was born in New York City in 1962, lives in Chattanooga, graduated from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a BA in 1983, and earned his JD from University of Tennessee in 1986 according to Biographical Directory.
