Defense & National Security

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“It is long past time for the federal government to live up to the commitments to relieve our communities of the burdens associated with storing nuclear waste locally. This bipartisan compromise broke through the gridlock in Washington and may finally provide a way out for these communities,” Courtney said.

“Each year, I have the privilege of working with representatives from across the country and across the aisle to put together this important legislation that invests in our national defense,” said Courtney. “This bill continues my work to respond to the testimony of our military commanders that the U.S. must continue to grow our submarine force."