Testimony - 2024 Houston SASC Strategic Forces

Statement of Admiral William Houston Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors National Nuclear Security Administration U.S. Department of Energy on the Fiscal Year 2025 President’s Budget Request Before the

Senate Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces May 22, 2024.

Complete transcript of hearing testimony is available here

In this prepared written testimony, Admiral Houston:

• recognizes NR 75th anniversary

• emphasizes importance of investing in emerging technology

• discusses AUKUS

• provides an overview of NR budget (FY25 request $2.12b)

• need for transition out of Expended Core Facility

• discusses major projects

  • COLUMBIA - Reactor Plant components on track & motor module to start testing soon

  • Spent Fuel Handling Facility (SFHP) - facing challenges

  • Naval Examination Acquisition Project (NEAP)

  • Technical Base Funding

  • Program Direction

  • Research and Development

  • Facilities and Infrastructure

  • D&D environmental liabilities of $6.4b

  • AUKUS