Defense & National Security

“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.”

“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.”

As we have heard repeatedly in our hearings over the last year, the need to modernize and recapitalize these aircraft and their capabilities is increasingly critical. Rapidly improving A2/AD capabilities, long range weapons and sensing technologies makes upgrading and replacing our legacy fleets that much more important. In order to meet these challenges, we must make the right investments today to ensure that we stay ahead of these trends. In my view, the 2017 budget we are considering here today makes important investments toward this goal and, on the whole, moves us in the right direction.

This hearing and this budget comes at a critical time for our Navy and Marine Corps. 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. I believe that we need to ensure that we make the right investments in the capabilities of our seapower forces while also ensuring that they have the capacity to utilize them. In my view, the 2017 budget request makes important strides to towards this goal – but there are areas where I look forward to working on a bipartisan basis to make further progress.

Over the years, we have seen the carrier air wing evolve from one with a large mix of aircraft to one composed of multi-mission aircraft capable of performing a variety of missions. Looking ahead, it is clear that the air wing will be remain a key part of our nation’s security and ability to project power well into the future – but only if we make the right investments in its composition, capabilities and reach.

“On balance, the 2017 budget appears to make significant investments in order to enhance the capabilities of the naval and projection forces platforms overseen by our panel,” said Courtney. “From expanding the reach and punch of our surface and subsurface forces, to strengthening our ability to project power through long range strike and refueling capabilities, I am pleased with many of the decisions reflected in this budget.”