The FY 2019 Budget Request proposes $15.1 billion for the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), $2.2 billion over current levels, an increase of nearly 18 percent. This $15 billion primarily funds the Department of Energy’s (DOE) role in supporting Pentagon efforts to build a new generation of nuclear weapons, as outlined in the Trump Administration’s outrageously expensive Nuclear Posture Review.

The request includes $11 billion for “Weapons Activities.” This is an increase of $1.8 billion (almost 20 percent), which focuses on modernizing and maintaining our nuclear arsenal. It also includes $1.8 billion for the Navy’s nuclear reactor program. This is an increase of $369 million (or 26 percent) to support the Navy’s current fleet of nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, and develop new reactors for the future “Columbia” class ballistic missile submarine.

But not everything in the NNSA budget is on the way up. The request also includes $1.9 billion for “Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation,” intended to halt the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, and to respond to nuclear or radiological incidents. This is a $17 million cut from current levels.

So to be clear: lots more money to produce nuclear weapons and reactors and a small cut to the programs that counter the spread of nuclear weapons. Hmmmmmm.

In addition, the request includes $6.6 billion for environmental clean-up at DOE nuclear weapons sites, an increase of $182 million, slightly less than three percent above current levels.

GO TO THE FY19 BUDGET LANDING PAGE.