Defense & National Security

“I am pleased that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers was able to build on cost-effective and environmentally sound options for disposing of dredged material from our waterways in the final DMMP,” said Courtney. “Economic activities that utilize Long Island Sound waterways contribute more than $9 billion annually in economic output and maintaining navigable shipping channels is critical to the long-term health of our regional economy. From family-owned marinas to the SUBASE New London, the livelihoods of thousands of my constituents directly depend on this comprehensive dredging plan. I am particularly happy that the DMMP underscores the need for a strong partnership among the Regional Dredging Team members and recommends new involvement by the U.S. Navy and newly-formed Connecticut Port Authority.”

“The approval of the acquisition decision memo for the Ohio Replacement is another powerful affirmation that our nation is committed to building this essential component of our national defense,” said Courtney. “This step, along with the pending release of the development request for procurement of the submarine, are among the critical milestones that we will see this year and a reminder that Congress must do all it can now to ensure the success of the program in the future. I look forward to continuing to work on a bipartisan basis to provide the tools and support the Navy and industry needs to meet this national responsibility in the most efficient and cost-effective way.”

“I am pleased that after a great deal of negotiating over the past few months, Congress was able to reach a fair,bipartisan compromise to fund the government,” said Courtney. “While this agreement is not perfect, it does contain a number of important provisions that I have stronglyadvocatedfor,including a delay of the Cadillac Tax, as well as funding for job training, healthcare research, and Connecticut’s defense manufacturing sector which helps drive our economy. To be sure, there were provisions in this bill that I would have removed, but on the whole I amglad to see that both sides of the aisle unite todo the right thing for the country. This is how Congress is supposed to function.”

“I was honored today to accept the Congressional Leadership Award from the Association of Defense Communities,” said Courtney. “Our region is proud to be the home of so many who serve and have served our nation, as well as their families. So many communities in eastern Connecticut are tied closely with our military, whether sailors and their families stationed at SUBASE New London, shipbuilders working at Electric Boat, employees at small and mid-sized businesses that supply critical defense programs, or countless schools, businesses and organizations that support them. I will continue to support the proud maritime tradition of eastern Connecticut as we contribute to the national defense of the United States.”

“Eastern Connecticut is proud of its deep connection to our Coast Guard and excited to be the home of the planned National Coast Guard Museum in New London – the service’s first major national museum in its history,” said Courtney. “With nationwide fundraising efforts underway to design and build the new museum, I am committed to ensuring that Congress do all it can to support this worthy project. I am proud to have worked with Senator Blumenthal to secure a targeted change to federal law that ensures that the Coast Guard can provide its full support to making the rich treasure of artifacts for oldest maritime fleet available both to the American people and the world. This is a huge boost to national effort to create the long overdue museum, and sends a powerful signal that this effort has strong backing of the Congress, the federal government and the Coast Guard.”

“There is no excuse for allowing suspected terrorists to purchase firearms,” said the delegation. “For the third time this week, House Republicans blocked a commonsense measure to keep those on the FBI’s Terrorist Watchlist from legally obtaining deadly weapons. This is unconscionable. For the safety of the American people, Congress must hold a vote to close this dangerous loophole.”