Defense & National Security

It's been an honor to lead the Seapower Subcommittee this year and assemble my first mark as leader of this bipartisan and productive panel,” Courtney said.

“Blue Water Navy Vietnam veterans have been denied benefits that they deserve for 17 years,” said Congressman Courtney.

This year’s mark by the Seapower panel is a continuation of many years of bipartisan work and I want to recognize and thank Ranking Member Wittman for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the Navy and Air Force’s ability to respond to the challenges and threats of today.

“It’s good news that the Senate Armed Services Committee, in alignment with actions taken by the House Appropriations Committee last week, include authorization for a third submarine in its FY20 National Defense Authorization Act,” said Congressman Courtney.

“For the last few years one of the most consistent and urgent concerns raised to Congress by our military leaders has been the looming gap in our attack submarine force structure in the coming decade,” Courtney said.

“SUBASE New London has long been a critical asset for the U.S. Navy’s undersea fleet. The Appropriations Committee’s approval today of this major investment into Pier 32 is further confirmation that Congress, as well as the Navy, expects our submarine base to remain a valuable hub of activity for generations to come,” said Congressman Courtney.

“I am glad to learn that the Trump Administration has finally joined a broad and bipartisan range of opponents against the Trump Administration’s own plan to retire an aircraft carrier that is only about half-way through its planned service life."