Defense & National Security

“Americans want to know -- and deserve to know -- that their government is rigorously and thoroughly reviewing all refugee candidates to ensure no one is taking advantage of our nation’s generosity to commit violence here,” Courtney said. “The process in place today to screen any refugee seeking to enter the United States is already extensive, featuring more than a dozen layers of review by our security and intelligence agencies and additional screening for those arriving from Syria. The heightened awareness of the threat posed by ISIL gives Congress the opportunity to build on this effective screening process already in place to address the legitimate concerns that many in eastern Connecticut, and around the country, feel today. In my view, the measure I supported today will build on that process while ensuring that our nation continues to honor our values by welcoming those fleeing the terror inflicted on innocent people by ISIL."

“The new CSBA report released today underscores what we already see in the fleet today – continued high operating tempos and significant demands for Navy and Marine Corps presence are increasingly straining the fleet. And recent headlines – including the deployment of the USS Lassen to the South China Sea or the departure of the TRUMAN Strike Group for the Middle East for operations against ISIL – demonstrate that this demand will not decrease any time soon.”

“As you know, the residents of Willington and their local elected officials – whom I represent in Congress – have expressed a range of serious concerns about this plan and its impact on their community… It is my hope that your department will reconsider the potential use of existing firing ranges and training sites in Connecticut before moving forward on any efforts to conduct reviews for a new training center,” Courtney wrote.

"The completion of the merger between Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin is great news for Connecticut, and bodes well for a stable future for Sikorsky and its workforce. Lockheed is well-suited to guide Sikorsky—our nation's top helicopter maker—forward to build on Connecticut's legacy of innovation and excellence in aerospace. I am confident that under the leadership of Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky's workers will continue their stellar record of producing the highly advanced helicopter fleet our service members rely on," Courtney said.

“While completing the NDAA took a little more effort this year, I am proud to have played a key role in getting this important measure across the finish line. The agreement passed today is a strong statement of support for Connecticut’s submarine industrial base, anchored by the men and women of Electric Boat, as well as our aerospace industry. The revised NDAA maintains all of the priorities that are critical to our state, and invests wisely in long-term national security priorities, as well as in our military families. As the House Armed Services Committee continues to grapple with a difficult budget climate in the years ahead, I am pleased that the Congressional Budget Office has identified the National Sea-Based Deterrence Fund as a mechanism to realize billions in savings as we move forward with the effort to recapitalize our SSBN fleet,” Courtney said.

In terms of power projection, technology, flexibility, and global presence, it is hard to argue that there is any stronger component of American might than the aircraft carrier. Today, aircraft carriers are deployed throughout the world, on station when and where our country needs them most. They occupy a key role in our national strategy, providing a permanent and mobile presence in some of the globe’s most contentious hot spots.

“The annual Aerospace and Defense International Trade Summit provides Connecticut suppliers with a unique opportunity to meet with international prime contractors and government officials right here in Mystic. Eastern Connecticut’s defense sector is a cornerstone of our economy, encompassing hundreds of companies throughout the state in the submarine supply chain. I encourage Connecticut companies to take advantage of this chance to increase exports and develop relationships with major defense and aerospace companies from around the world,” Courtney said.

Our undersea capabilities remains one of the most distinctive and asymmetrical advantages for our nation. One of the greatest challenges we face, however, is the rapid developments in undersea sensors, capabilities and platforms around the world. The reality is that this significant and hard-earned edge in the undersea realm is perishable if we do not do all we can now to maintain this core advantage for the future.