Defense & National Security

“Australia is one of our closest allies on the global stage and a key strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Courtney. “Today, we remember the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea, a significant historical moment when U.S. and Australian Naval forces fought side by side to ensure allied victory in the Pacific. As I said to Ambassador Hockey earlier this year, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the caucus to strengthen the unshakable strategic, economic, and cultural bonds we share with the Australian people.”

“While this should have been completed last year, I am pleased that members from both sides of the aisle finally came together to pass a fair and bipartisan spending bill to close out the fiscal year,” said Courtney. “Our military leaders and industry have been clamoring for the budget certainty they need to move forward on a wide range of programs and priorities. This could have been finalized months ago, and it is my hope thebipartisan framework passed today can serve as a model for avoiding similar delays on the 2018 budget. As ranking member of the Seapower subcommittee, I am pleased that this measure reflects many of the priorities I have worked on including robust investment in our undersea forces. I am proud to have fought for key investments in programs important to Connecticut that will contribute to our state’s growing manufacturing resurgence and our nation’s security.”

“The trip was a great opportunity to learn more about naval facilities and partnering shipyards on the west coast and to meet the captain, officers, and crew aboard the USS Connecticut which is 1 of only 3 Seawolf-class submarines ever built,” said Courtney. “Being one of the only Seawolf submarines, the Connecticut has special features including faster speed, deeper diving ability, and greater firepower than any other attack submarine in our fleet. It had been a while since Connecticut’s namesake ship had a visitor from the state so I brought them a few special treats including Connecticut shaped chocolate bars from our own Munson's Chocolates, a pennant from the University of Connecticut, and a basketball signed by Geno Auriemma and the record-setting 2017 UConn women’s basketball team. It was great visiting with Commander Brian Taddiken of the USS Connecticut and his crewmembers, many of whom hail from Connecticut and have served at the Groton SUBASE."

"Seen in isolation, last night's air strikes on a Syrian military air base conducted by US Navy destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean appear to be a proportionate response to Assad’s despicable use of sarin gas in flagrant violation of international law. However, further engagement in this conflict risks escalation that has the potential to carry serious consequences for the United States, including direct confrontation with Syria’s backers in Russia, which is why we need a comprehensive diplomatic approach to addressing the crisis in Syria. And, it is more important than ever the president consult Congress on further military action – and that Congress take up its constitutional responsibility to engage in authorizing any further use of military force in this complex situation. This is no time for Congress to be on the side lines, and Speaker Ryan should call the House back in session immediately.”

One of the primary focuses of our subcommittee has been ensuring that the Navy and Marine Corps are properly sized and equipped to meet their critical and growing requirements around the globe. I am most proud that we have worked year after year to reverse a steady decline in the fleet and in shipbuilding rates. In the last eight years, we helped to double the number of ships under contract compared to the prior eight years – arresting a steady decline the fleet and putting us on a path to grow our Navy. I think it speaks volumes to the work that we do here that the 2017 defense funding bill we will vote on today adopts many of the changes this panel first proposed last year.