Defense & National Security
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April 20, 2016
Press Release
As recent events around the world clearly demonstrate, the presence and capabilities of our forces on, below and above the seas are in higher demand than at any other time in recent history. Yet, as this subcommittee knows all too well, these forces are under significant pressure in meeting growing operational needs and keeping pace with developments around the world in the face of limited resources.
April 13, 2016
Press Release
The shortfalls we will face are largely the result of decisions made in previous decades which we cannot undo in a single year. What we can do, is continue to work in a bipartisan way to address our current and future shipbuilding needs going forward. I am proud that this panel has a record of doing so, and I look forward to sustaining that record. Your input is vital as we prepare to mark up the 2017 defense authorization bill and continue to build the fleet we need for the future.
April 13, 2016
Press Release
The shortfalls we will face are largely the result of decisions made in previous decades which we cannot undo in a single year. What we can do, is continue to work in a bipartisan way to address our current and future shipbuilding needs going forward. I am proud that this panel has a record of doing so, and I look forward to sustaining that record. Your input is vital as we prepare to mark up the 2017 defense authorization bill and continue to build the fleet we need for the future.
March 29, 2016
In The News
The Navy announced on Monday that EB would be the prime contractor for the estimated $95 billion Ohio-class replacement program.
Plans call for 12 of these next-generation ballistic missile submarines to replace the aging fleet of "boomers" built in the 1980s and 1990s.
EB will design and deliver all 12 boats.
March 28, 2016
Press Release
The plan released today leverages the deep talent and unmatched skills of the hard-working shipbuilders at Electric Boat, and their partners in Newport News, Virginia. The replacement of our sea-based strategic deterrent is a pressing and multigenerational commitment to our nation’s defense. With the talent of our industrial base, we have risen to this challenge in the past, and by applying the same successful approach of the team delivering the Virginia class submarines today, I am confident that we will do so again.
March 22, 2016
Press Release
This is a topic that does not often get the attention it deserves, but is arguably one of the most critical components of our Nation’s maritime national security. In 2015 alone, Navy Combat Logistics ships transferred nearly 1 million pallets of dry cargo and ordinance, and offloaded 8.3 million barrels of fuel to Navy ships. Our U.S. flagged sealift ships were responsible for the transport of over 900 thousand tons of dry cargo, much of which was being transported to and from combat zones. These critical capabilities are what allow the United States to project power anywhere in the world without having to depend on foreign vessels.
March 22, 2016
Press Release
Over the last several weeks, Courtney has heard from a range of witnesses about the growing demand on our submarine forces, the need to reevaluate the current force structure requirement for attack submarines, and urgency of sustaining the current two a year production rate of Virginia Class Submarines. As Courtney heard from the witnesses over the last two months, the submarine force is strained to meet demand for its capabilities at the current force level today, would be severely challenged to do so as the force level dips in the future, and that one of the most impactful actions that can be taken in the near term is to sustain the build rate on Virginia Class Submarines at two a year for as long as possible. As Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, Courtney is utilizing this testimony to ensure that the Navy has the resources and authorities it needs to sustain the two a year attack submarine production rate into the next five year block contract (2019-2023), and beyond, to meet the urgent and growing demand for enhanced undersea capabilities.
March 16, 2016
Press Release
“In January, Electric Boat announced 1500 hires this year to accommodate that demand signal from the Navy. And it’s been all hands on deck, which the WIOA Act and the Workforce Board is today prdocugin results which would not have been the case without passage of that law and without the omnibus which has given the workforce innovation funds that are now combining community colleges, tech schools, and the employer who are now working together to fill this huge workforce need. Again, if you go online today there are probably 300 or 400 job openings [at Electric Boat] right now as we sit here in this room, that’s just for the shipyard, as you go further out there are 470+ suppliers in Connecticut and thousands across the country."
March 7, 2016
Press Release
“The long range strike bomber is a critical program for our nation, and I can think of no better supplier for its engines than the hard working men and women of Pratty & Whitney”, said Ranking Member Courtney. “Once again, Connecticut has been called on to play a key role in a high priority national security effort – and I know that Pratt, its workers, and the state-wide network of suppliers that supports them are equal to the task. This is a good day for our state, and I proud to be working on the subcommittee to ensure the success of the B-21 program.”
March 1, 2016
Press Release
“My resolution is calling on the Senate to ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea treaty once and for all,” said Courtney. “As our country continues to challenge excessive maritime claims in the South China Sea, or jockey for standing in the increasingly competitive Arctic region, we risk being left on the sidelines during these important negotiations unless we are a party to this agreement. The UNCLOS treaty has long been supported by presidents and leaders from both parties, and while 166 countries and the European Union have already ratified it, the U.S. is part of a small group of nations including North Korea, Iran, Syria, Libya, and Venezuela that have not done so. Our military leaders need this treaty ratified in order to maintain free and open access to waterways across the globe, as Admiral Harris and General Breedlove said just like week during two different House Armed Service Committee hearings. I want to thank Congressman Young for joining me as a lead cosponsor of this critical effort.”