Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee

“The trilateral statement on the implementation of the AUKUS partnership is an encouraging update of the work done to date to translate that security agreement from a concept into real, tangible change,” said the Co-Chairs in a joint statement.

The AUKUS Working Group will provide a forum for congressional attention on the implementation of AUKUS and on completing the steps needed to strengthen our already-existing security relationship.

"Today, the ships and aircraft that comprise our sealift and airlift capabilities are challenged by readiness shortfalls, obsolescence, and an evolving threat landscape. Congress has acted on a bipartisan basis to address some of these issues, and I fully expect that our panels will continue this work as we develop this year’s defense authorization."

“President Biden’s budget request continues to prioritize investment in one of the most critical pieces of our nation’s defense: our undersea platforms and capabilities,” Chairman Courtney said.

“Like many of my colleagues, I’d rather be passing a full 2022 spending package - but with discussions bringing us closer than ever towards that goal, Congress must keep the government open and funded and give our appropriators, led by my friend Rosa DeLauro, the time they need to get the job done,” Chairman Courtney said.

“In order to equip the United States to fully and credibly assert the rule of law in the maritime domain, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, it’s time for our nation to finally join 168 countries around the world and ratify UNCLOS,” Courtney said.