Courtney Passes Government Funding Extension, With Provision Protecting Columbia Class Submarine

Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney, Chairman of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, today voted to pass H.R. 6617, the Further Additional Extending Government Funding Act providing a short term continuing resolution through March 11, 2022. Included in the bill is a provision that will prevent funding shortfalls in the Columbia class submarine program. The measure passed 272-162, and now awaits consideration in the Senate.

"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. "I'm grateful that one of the few exceptions allowed in this measure is to ensure that we do not trigger unacceptable delays to the Colombia class submarine program. In hearing after hearing, year after year, Navy officials have underscored clearly the need to protect Columbia from funding shortfalls that could needlessly delay the program and undermine our strategic deterrence.

"All of us on the Seapower Subcommittee who have worked to authorize and fund Columbia know the damaging and compounding ripple effect that an avoidable and pointless funding shortfall would cause," Courtney continued. "Supplier stability, hiring and retention of skilled employees, and the razor-thin schedule margin the program already has dictate the need to pass this urgent measure. That's why passing this CR and this provision is the right thing to do for our nation's security."

Sec. 164 of the bill provides a limited exception from FY21 funding levels for advanced procurement line of the Columbia class submarine program. While AP for the Columbia program was funded at $1.253 billion in FY21, the FY22 budget requested $1.645 billion to support advanced procurement and long lead requirements. This provision would allow for the higher spending rate needed to fully fund requirements for the program.

Without relief by February 18, 2022, the Navy would see delays in advanced production and construction efforts in support of the second Columbia class submarine, SSBN 827, and compounding impacts to schedule delay and workforce manning.

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