Chairman Gene Taylor Opening Statement

Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee

 Full Committee Mark-up of FY11 NDAA (H.R. 5136)

“Thank you Mr. Chairman, I will briefly cover the highlights of the subcommittee mark. 

“The Seapower mark would authorize the construction of 9 battle force vessels and 1 auxiliary oceanographic research vessel along with 206 aircraft for the Navy and Marine Corps. Highlights include:

•    $5.1 billion to fund two Virginia-class submarines—the first time the Committee has ever authorized two ships in one year—and $1.7 billion for advance procurement of two additional vessels in FY12.

•    $949.9 million for the first increment of funding for the amphibious assault vessel LHA-7;

•    $3 billion to fully fund two DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and continue the Committee’s support to restart construction of these vessels;

•    $1.5 billion to fully fund two Littoral Combat Ships and related efforts in R&D and mission module procurement;

•    $180.7 million to fund one Joint High Speed Vessel;

•    $380 million to fully fund the remaining construction costs for the first of class Maritime Landing Platform Vessel;

•    $2.8 billion for 22 F-18 strike fighters and 12 EA-18 expeditionary electronic warfare aircraft;

•    $4.1 billion for 20 Navy and Marine Corps F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft; and

•    $4.6 billion for 100 Navy and Marine Corps rotorcraft.

“For Marine Corps programs the Seapower mark fully authorizes the $3.1 billion budget request for Marine Corps procurement with an additional $126 million for unfunded requirements to help protect our Marines during combat operations. The Committee continues to support development efforts associated with new Marine Corps ground vehicles, including the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV).

“In legislative initiatives the Seapower mark would:

•    Allow for incremental funding of large naval vessels;

•    Allow the Department of the Navy to continue to pursue a multi-year procurement contract for the construction of F/A 18 Superhornets and EA 18 Growler aircraft;

•    Require a certification on the Ohio-class replacement program;

•    Align the 30 year shipbuilding plan with the QDR; and

•    Authorize funding for the Merchant Marine support to the national defense.

“The bill authorizes $359 million for the Maritime Administration of the Department of

Transportation, including:

•    $100 million for operational expenses at the Merchant Marine Academy, including $30.9 million for infrastructure and capital improvements;

•    $174 million for the Maritime Security Program;

•    $$15 million to support the state maritime academies;

•    $10 million to dispose of obsolete vessels; and

•    $60 million for the Title XI guaranteed loan program.

“Additionally, the bill extends the authorization of funding for the Maritime Security Program from 2015 to 2025.

“I recommend the committee approve our mark.  I think it meets the needs of the naval warfighter by providing the equipment and necessary to fulfill the tasks set before them.  With that, I yield back.

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