Republican appropriator launching bipartisan energy caucus

A top appropriator is launching a broad bipartisan energy caucus as the Republican trifecta in Washington plans to focus on the issue.

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) said Monday he filed paperwork to form a new congressional caucus to cover “all-of-the-above” energy policy.

“My focus is going to be energy, energy, energy,” said Fleischmann, Chair of the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee. “My goal is to get as much bipartisan and bicameral support and buy-in so we get success.”

The representative said he would be discussing the caucus with President-elect Donald Trump's team so they can work together and “be parallel." Trump has in the past called for deep cuts to agencies like the Department of Energy.

"We want an open-door policy,” Fleischmann said. “My bill is going to fund your agency. So let’s start talking. … We are."

The Tennessee Republican already leads seven bipartisan nuclear-related caucuses — including on advanced generation, cleanup, spent fuel, security, the national labs and fusion.

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