Defense & National Security
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last night, Congressman Joe Courtney joined a unanimous bipartisan majority on the House Armed Services Committee in voting 61-0 to pass the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill fully supports continued investment in programs critical to Connecticut’s economy and industrial base. Among its provisions, which are detailed below, the bill supports continued two-a-year production of Virginia Class Submarines, ongoing development of the Ohio Replacement Program (ORP) and denies a request for a new Base Realignment and Closure round (BRAC).
WASHINGTON—Today Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2), Vice Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Seapower Subcommittee, released the following statement lauding the signing of the Navy’s Block IV contract with Electric Boat to build ten Virginia Class submarines over the next five years:
WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) applauded the bipartisan passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, an omnibus spending measure that appropriates government funding for Fiscal Year 2014, by a vote of 359 to 67. The bipartisan coalition included 193 Democrats and 166 Republicans supporting the legislation, with 3 Democrats and 64 Republicans opposing it.
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney and the U.S. House of Representatives today passed the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, by a vote of 350 to 69. The bill supports continued two-a-year production of Virginia Class Submarines, ongoing development of the Ohio Replacement Program (ORP) and denies a request for a new base closing round. Among its provisions, the bill fully invests in programs critical to Connecticut’s defense industry.
WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2), and Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy announced that Electric Boat in Groton will receive $22.5 million to support the continued development of a joint missile compartment for new SSBNs for the United States and the United Kingdom.
WASHINGTON—As the federal government resumes its regular operations after the House Republican-led government shutdown, Congressman Joe Courtney released the following statement on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ return to normal service:
Congressman Courtney today applauded Navy Secretary Ray Mabus’s announcement that the Navy will place women on two Groton-based Virginia Class Attacks Submarines, the USS Virginia and the USS Minnesota.
“Today’s announcement reflects the outstanding performance of our female submariners in submarine training programs and in service on our SSBNs and SSGNs. Further integrating women into our submarine force is a welcome step forward and will ensure that the Navy can continue to maximize the skill and talent of all those seeking to serve our country.”
WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) announced a $25.7 million Navy contract for Electric Boat to perform maintenance and modernization upgrades to the USS Providence, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine.
WASHINGTON--Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) released the following statement in reaction to the shootings at the Washington Navy Yard that have claimed at least twelve lives:
Washington—Yesterday, at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2) questioned Secretary of State John Kerry, Joint Chiefs Chairman Martin Dempsey, and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel about the situation in Syria. Courtney highlighted the merits of an international response to the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime, rather than a unilateral action by the United States. Click here to watch the video.