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Congressman Joe Courtney

Representing the 2nd District of Connecticut

Defense & National Security

More on Defense & National Security

Video: Courtney on Yemen Procedural Gimmick: "Congress should not be shirking its duty"

November 15, 2018 Video

Yesterday, during debate on a rule governing debate on a bill removing endangered species protections for the gray wolf, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) took to the floor to oppose a procedural gimmick in the measure that blocks a resolution to end U.S. participation in the Saudi-led coalition’s intervention in the Yemen Civil War. Under the War Powers Act, the Yemen resolution (H.Con.Res.138), could have been called to the floor for a vote under expedited procedures. The rule passed yesterday, however, prevents this from occurring.

Transcript of his remarks:

Ranking Member Courtney Statement on Defense Strategy Commission Report

November 14, 2018 Press Release
“The report published this week paints a stark picture that our nation’s strategic advantage is severely at risk,” Ranking Member Courtney said. “The report also makes clear that the Administration’s 2018 National Defense Strategy lacks the depth and coherence necessary to link our military strategy to the resources needed to address the national security challenges our country is facing today. The report presents an invaluable ‘second opinion’ on the direction the Department of Defense and Congress should take in the coming years.

Courtney Statement on CBO Analysis Showing Lower Submarine Repair Costs at Private Shipyards

September 12, 2018 Press Release
"Over the last several years, I have consistently raised concerns about the lack of submarine repair work being assigned to private sector shipyards,” said Courtney. “We have seen increasing delays and shortfalls in capacity in the public shipyards that have kept submarines from their most important function, being at sea to support the needs of our nation. Unfortunately, the Navy has often pushed back on assigning more availabilities to private shipyards claiming that the cost of conducting maintenance in the private yards comes at an unaffordable ‘premium’. This analysis makes clear that these arguments do not hold up under objective scrutiny."

Courtney Statement on Final Passage of FY19 Defense Authorization Bill

July 26, 2018 Press Release
“Over the last year, my committee has heard the relentless drumbeat of anxiety and concern about the looming shortfall in our attack submarine fleet. Without timely action by Congress, the Trump administration, and the Navy, the fleet will fall to just 42 submarines within the next decade,” said Courtney.

Courtney Opposes Cutting Coast Guard Funding to Pay for Operations on the Southern Border

July 23, 2018 Press Release

(Washington, DC) —Friday, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), ranking member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces and co-chair of the Congressional Coast Guard Caucus, joined 15 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives in sending a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Department of Homeland Security expressing opposition to any funding cuts to the U.S.

The Day: Courtney criticizes proposed cuts to Coast Guard to pay for border security

July 23, 2018 In The News

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, is among a group of bipartisan lawmakers criticizing the Trump administration for a proposal to cut funding for the Coast Guard to pay for border security.

On Friday, Courtney joined 15 members of the U.S. House in sending a letter to the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Homeland Security expressing opposition to cuts to the Coast Guard budget to offset increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations along the southern border.

Courtney Statement on Navy Decision to Move USS Indiana Maintenance Availability to Electric Boat in Groton

July 13, 2018 Press Release
“Today’s decision to grant a key maintenance availability to Electric Boat reflects the value the Navy places in the private sector industrial base which has been critical in responding to the needs of the submarine force,” said Courtney. “This decision will help sustain key jobs and skills in the Groton shipyard as we prepare for a surge in submarine construction work. It also ensures that one of our newest submarines, the USS Indiana, will not delay its first deployment. This is good news for the hardworking men and women of Electric Boat and for the national security needs of the United States.

Courtney Joins Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committee Members in Cautioning President Trump Not to Undo 73 Years of European Stability

July 11, 2018 Press Release
“The signals regarding potential outcomes that are coming from this administration in advance of the President’s upcoming trip to Europe are deeply concerning. Without question, in his upcoming meetings with NATO and President Putin, President Trump must continue to affirm America’s commitments to our allies, especially Article V of the Atlantic Treaty. He must not praise, condone, or abet any Russian efforts to undermine the sovereignty or democracy of any of our allies and partners. He must take a genuine stand against Russia’s cyber campaigns and its efforts to interfere in our elections.

U.S. Air Force Tells Courtney It Will Cancel $24 Million Sole Source Contract for Air Force One Refrigerators

June 4, 2018 Press Release
“Clearly, the Air Force is making the right decision cancel the previously announced sole-source contract and hit restart on this process. Even with the understanding that the Air Force One mission brings with it unique requirements and challenges, a $24 million sole-source contract just didn’t pass the smell test,” said Courtney.

Courtney Statement on House Passage of Defense Bill Boosting Submarine Production to Three a Year

May 24, 2018 Press Release
“While this bill contains many important provisions for Connecticut, the addition of $1 billion above the budget request to set us on the path to building three submarines per year in 2022 and 2023 stands out as major development for our region and our nation,” said Courtney.

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