NNSA’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs’ Strategic Engagement is Driving Modernization, Partnership, and National Security in 2026
National Nuclear Security Administration
June 3, 2026
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Over the past couple of months, NNSA’s Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs (CI) has coordinated more than 25 congressional briefings, arranged 10 site visits for elected officials, and held Tribal consultations, keeping key stakeholders informed and involved in NNSA’s mission. These relationships are essential to ensuring NNSA can operate effectively and maintain the safety and security of our nation.
A major recent highlight was hosting a nuclear security exhibit on Capitol Hill, where 10 senators gained firsthand insight on NNSA programs from lab experts about the U.S. nuclear stockpile. This deepened their understanding of the agency’s challenges and future needs. Additionally, CI advanced outreach by briefing congressional members and their staff on NNSA priorities, including the push to accelerate plutonium pit production at the Savannah River Site (SRS) and Los Alamos National Laboratory, as well as revitalizing nuclear infrastructure by updating facilities that date back 80+ years to the Manhattan Project.
A cornerstone of NNSA’s advocacy strategy, congressional briefings provide lawmakers with timely, in-depth information and facilitate meaningful dialogue about national security priorities and program needs. By offering a direct channel for engagement, these briefings help ensure elected officials are fully informed and able to champion critical initiatives that strengthen nuclear security across the country. This past quarter’s Hill briefings included a range of critical topics, including the Cesium Irradiator Replacement Program, Counterterrorism and Counterproliferation efforts, the GENESIS Mission, high explosives, material staging capabilities, the Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST), Pantex, SRS, rapid capabilities, space monitoring and verification, stockpile modernization, waste management, and weapons activities.
To further these advocacy efforts, the congressional affairs team arranged impactful meetings between NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams, and Appropriations Committee members Sens. Lindsey Graham (SC) and Bill Hagerty (TN), as well as Armed Services Committee members Sen. Mike Rounds (SD) and Rep. Joe Wilson (SC). They also coordinated a meeting between the Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Dr. Matthew Napoli and Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy & Water Development Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (TN), along with a weapons briefing from the Office of Defense Programs to House Armed Services Committee members Reps. Morgan Luttrell (TX) and Pat Harrigan (NC).
NNSA’s three national labs, three production plants, and two nuclear security sites play an essential role sustaining America’s nuclear deterrence. The congressional affairs team assists in coordinating visits for congressional members and staff delegations, providing policymakers in-person opportunities to meet with nuclear security experts and observe the enterprise’s operations firsthand. This hands-on engagement helps leaders understand the critical work being done and reinforces the value of ongoing partnerships in national security.
In January, Rep. Wilson of South Carolina toured NNSA’s SRS, in Aiken, overseeing the status of infrastructure projects vital to the national security mission. In March, Rep. Bill Foster (IL) visited Joint Base Andrews to meet with members of NEST and gain a firsthand look at emergency response operations. During his visit, Rep. Foster observed how NEST prepares for nuclear emergencies, reviewed their specialized equipment, and learned about the critical role of NEST helicopters in monitoring radiation levels. These helicopters are essential for rapid deployment and enhancing situational awareness, ensuring the nation’s readiness and security in the event of a nuclear incident.
The Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) team hosted NNSA leadership meetings with Anderson (TN), Roane (TN), and Barnwell (SC) Counties, focusing on collaboration in strategic planning, infrastructure development, and advancing shared regional priorities. As major contributors to the local economies, the Y-12 National Security Site (Y-12) in Tennessee and SRS in South Carolina serve as anchors for Nuclear Security Enterprise growth.
In January, NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams met with leaders of the counties near Y-12 to reinforce NNSA’s commitment to local partnerships and Oak Ridge’s future as a hub for nuclear innovation.
By prioritizing economic development, community needs, and a supportive environment, NNSA’s efforts strengthen communication, promote regional opportunity, and help keep our nation secure, while engaging communities in strategic planning.
The IGA team also met with the Tribal nations located near NNSA sites and laboratories this quarter. The team’s dedicated efforts focus on fostering communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding. This includes details on operations, environmental impacts, and cultural resource protection, facilitated through briefings and consultations. So far in 2026, CI has organized or participated in more than 10 post-operational Tribal briefings, in-depth consultations on environmental impact statements and cultural resource management, and routine focused discussions on key national security projects, including the acceleration of plutonium pit production.
CI remains focused on partnerships, engagement, and communications with Congress and state, local, and Tribal leaders. This strengthens support for NNSA’s missions, bolsters America’s deterrence, and helps keep communities safe.
