This week, the House of Representatives is expected to consider a range of legislation related to cybersecurity, communications infrastructure, natural resources, and national defense. The House will also take up legislation on hydropower relicensing, solar energy development, wetlands conservation, and land allotments for Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans.

The FY2026 appropriations process is in full swing on Capitol Hill this week, indicating that they may take up votes on its $831.5 billion Defense Appropriations bill (H.R. 4016.) Meanwhile, House Appropriations subcommittees will mark up the Transportation-Housing and Energy-Water, followed by Interior-Environment, National Security-State, and Commerce-Justice-Science. The full Appropriations Committee is scheduled to consider the Transportation-Housing and Energy-Water bills on Thursday, July 17, at 10:00 a.m. On the Senate side, appropriators are working to resolve a dispute over the future location of the FBI headquarters, which has stalled progress on the Commerce-Justice-Science bill. Lawmakers may also take up a rescissions package on the Senate floor. NEFI is monitoring all these bills and discussions for issues of interest to the industry.

Last week, the Senate confirmed Preston Wells Griffith III as Under Secretary of Energy  by a 54–43 vote that included Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, joining Republicans in support. Griffith previously served as Senior Director for International Energy and Environment at the National Security Council and in multiple senior roles at the Department of Energy. Notably, earlier in his career, Griffith worked in and was co-owner of his family's independent gas station business, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges faced by small energy retailers.

Hearings of Interest this Week:

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies FY 26 Markup, Held Monday at 5:00 p.m. (archived video and details here)

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies FY 26 Markup, Monday at 6:00PM ET (details here)

House Committee on Small Business, How the SBA Is Cutting Through Red Tape, Tuesday at 10:00 am ET (details here)

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies FY 26 Markup, Tuesday at 10:00 am ET (details here)

Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill, Wednesday at 10:00am ET (details here)

House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, Future of OSHA Compliance, Wednesday at 10:15 am ET (details here)