The Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs serves as the primary liaison between the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the U.S. Congress, as well as state, Tribal, and local governments and intergovernmental organizations. The Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs is committed to fostering and maintaining relationships and communication with the various stakeholders and partners in the nuclear security enterprise. This engagement ensures congressional and intergovernmental partners and policymakers are accurately informed about NNSA’s initiatives, priorities, and contributions to critical national security missions.
Our Mission
To effectively communicate, promote, and defend the mission, goals, and budget of NNSA through proactive outreach and sustainable relationship building with federal, state, Tribal, and local governments.
Areas of focus
The Office of Congressional Affairs articulates NNSA's mission and strategic priorities to Members of Congress and their staff, ensuring they are well-informed about the agency's work in nuclear security, nonproliferation, and naval propulsion. Additionally, it manages congressional inquiries, providing detailed information, arranging briefings, and coordinating engagements with committees and legislative offices.
The office also supports NNSA leadership by preparing officials for congressional hearings, briefings, and high-level meetings, ensuring they are equipped to address legislative priorities. It contributes technical expertise and information to Congress during legislative processes that may affect NNSA's operations or mission. A key to the office’s effectiveness is cultivating strong working relationships with critical congressional committees, such as the House and Senate Armed Services Committees and Appropriations Committees, to secure support for NNSA's programs and budget.
The Office of Intergovernmental Affairs facilitates NNSA interactions and collaborations with state, Tribal, and local governments and intergovernmental organizations representing their interests. The office ensures that these officials and representatives receive information about NNSA’s missions to identify and resolve key issues, communicates in a collaborative manner, and increases transparency. The office leverages external relationships to advance NNSA’s mission and highlights opportunities for proactive engagement and relationship management.
Intergovernmental Affairs advises and supports NNSA Field Offices regarding Tribal consultation activities and engagement on actions at their level that have Tribal implications. The office plans, leads, and executes Tribal consultation for enterprise-wide actions that have Tribal implications.
US Strategic Documents and Congressional Reports
The Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs collaborates with various programmatic and technical offices throughout the NNSA to provide comprehensive reports, statistics, and strategic plans to Congress and the wider federal government. These congressional reports and strategic documents are used to inform Congress of NNSA’s progress and priorities.
- Budget Proposals
- The Stockpile Stewardship Management Plan (SSMP) is NNSA’s plan for maintaining and modernizing the stockpile, revitalizing its physical infrastructure and workforce, and sustaining its research, development, testing, and evaluation programs.
- The Prevent, Counter, and Respond: NNSA’s Plan to Reduce Global Nuclear Threats (NPCR) is NNSA’s strategic plan defining and describing our missions to prevent, counter, and respond to the threats of nuclear proliferation and terrorism.
Contact Us
To contact the NNSA Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs please call 202-586-4418 or email: NNSACIEXTERNAL@nnsa.doe.gov