Members of President-Elect Donald Trump’s transition team have reportedly been in meetings to discuss ways to slash federal government spending.
According to a report in The Hill, the departments of Energy and Commerce are being targeted for big reductions.
The DOE requested $32.5 billion for 2017, a $2.9 billion increase over last year. About $20 billion of that is earmarked for military-related nuclear activities. The DOE also helps set priorities for the president related to clean energy and the economy.
Overall, the Trump team has reported that it wants to decrease federal government spending by $10.5 trillion during the next 10 years. The cuts follow recommendations spelled out by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.
At the DOE, the Trump administration is hoping to lower funding for nuclear physics and advanced scientific computing research. The Office of Electricity, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Office of Fossil Energy — which focuses on carbon-cutting technologies — could also all be tossed out the window. Overall, the Trump team is hoping to lower the DOE’s budget to 2008 levels.
Several other government agencies could be facing dramatic cuts including the departments of Justice, Transportation and State.
Meanwhile, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry faced tough questioning this week on Capitol Hill at a confirmation hearing for head of the DOE.
Perry, who famously promised to eliminate the agency, was asked by Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) how he would handle the Trump administration “cutting the legs out from underneath” him, if he’s confirmed. Perry reportedly cited his record of “defending budgets” but didn’t take a stance for or against the cuts.
