Courtney Statement on House Passage of NDAA Conference Report
WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement after voting in favor of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report, which passed the House by a vote of 270 to 156:
“The conference report on the NDAA is the product of months of hard, bipartisan work on the House Armed Services Committee. This is especially so on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, where we have worked to produce a solid bill that invests in the future of our Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force and the important work they do below, on, and above the sea. Of particular importance to eastern Connecticut is the strong investment this bill makes in our undersea priorities, from continued two a year production of the Virginia class submarine to providing additional tools and flexibility for the Navy to build the Ohio Replacement while also preserving its other shipbuilding priorities."
“While I supported this bill today, I continue to have deep reservations about use of the Overseas Contingency Operations account to fund regular Defense Department operations. This mechanism reflects the continued failure of this Congress to take the necessary action to resolve the looming threat of sequestration and fully fund the government through the next year. Those issues, however, are much larger than the scope of the defense authorization bill or the jurisdiction of the House Armed Services Committee.
“I have repeatedly called on House Republican leaders to come to the table to address the threats of sequestration and budget control caps that will inflict damage on all segments of the national budget. It is long past time for House Republicans to negotiate a long-term budget agreement that will allow us to make necessary investments across the federal system, from education and health care to assistance for our most vulnerable citizens, to defense priorities that keep us safe and drive our economy in eastern Connecticut.”
Highlights of the National Defense Authorization Act Conference report include:
Submarine Development and Construction
· Virginia Class Submarines -- $5.3 billion for Virginia class submarine construction, including $3.3 billion for two submarines in 2016 and $2 billion for advanced procurement of additional submarines in 2017 and beyond.
· Virginia Payload Module -- $168 million for the development of the Virginia Payload Module, which is being developed to replace the undersea strike and other capabilities lost when the SSGNs retire in the 2020s.
· Ohio Replacement Submarine - Authorizes $1.4 billion for continued development of the Ohio Replacement Program by the Navy, as well as an additional $187 million for Ohio replacement reactor systems development under the Naval Reactors program under the National Nuclear Security Administration. The agreement also expands the National Sea-Based Deterrence Fund (NSBDF) to additional authorities for developing and building the submarine, including incremental funding and Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) authorities, and clarifies that reprogramming authority provided in the creation of the fund last year extends to the entire Defense Department, not just the Navy. The conference report also requires the Nay to submit a report with the FY17 budget outlining the acquisition strategy to build Ohio-class replacement submarines, the potential use of the NSBDF to support the ORP, as well as additional authorities that could be provided to support the program.
Aircraft & Helicopter Development and Procurement
· F-35 Joint Strike Fighter -- $12.2 billion for continued development and procurement of 63 F-35 aircraft.
· Blackhawks -- Authorizes $1.56 billion for 102 M-model aircraft for Army and National Guard (increase of 8 from PB), and $47 million for 40 UH-60A to UH-60L conversions in the Army National Guard. Also authorizes $965 million for 29 MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter aircraft, fulfilling the final year of the multiyear procurement (MYP) for MH-60 airframes (FY 2012 to FY 2016). (Sikorsky)
· Combat Rescue Helicopter -- Authorizes $156 million for continued development of the Combat Rescue Helicopter.
· CH-53K -- Authorizes $632 million to support the continuing development of the new heavy lift helicopter, as well as the advance procurement for the first two aircraft planned for FY 2017.
· VH-92A Presidential Helicopter (Marine One)-- Authorizes $507 million for development of the new Presidential Helicopter. (Sikorsky)
· KC-46A Tanker -- Authorizes $2.3 billion for KC-46As to the second year of Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP), procuring 12 aircraft in FY 2016. (Pratt – engines)
Connecticut National Guard
· $11 million for a new Ready Building at Camp Hartell, Windsor Locks — The agreement authorizes $11 million for a new Ready Building at Camp Hartell in Windsor Locks which will build a new facility the 14th Civil Support Team, a team of first responders critical in the event of a suspected or actual nuclear, biological, high explosive or chemical attack.
· C-130H Modernization – The 103rd Airlift Wing at Bradley operates a wing of 8 C-130H aircraft. The agreement authorizes an additional $139 million for a range of upgrades to the C-130H cargo aircraft fleet. Of this total, $75 million is allocated towards the Air Force’s restructured C-130 aviation modernization program (AMP), aimed at accelerating needed upgrades in technology to adhere to the 2020 international airspace access requirements. During House mark-up, Congressman Courtney offered an amendment to add funding for the program and clarify Congress’ support for the upgrades. It also includes $33 million for engine modifications and $16 million for the eight bladed propeller.
Other Notable Provisions
· Military Pay Raise -- authorizes a 2.3 percent across the board pay raise for the military
· Military Retirement Reform – the agreement includes a number of changes to the current retirement system, including allowing the 83% of service members not eligible for military retirement to contribute to a portable Thrift Savings Plan with matching contributions from DoD. Those currently serving, and having less than twelve years of service, have the option of remaining grandfathered into the old system or choosing the new TSP option. Implementation of the new system, however, is delayed until 2018 to allow DoD and relevant stakeholders time for implementation.
· Prohibition on BRAC – Like the House bill, the agreement rejects the administration’s request to conduct a new BRAC round in 2017 (sec. 2702). Congressman Courtney has supported bipartisan efforts to reject a new BRAC, citing concerns with the 2005 round and lack of updated information about the extent of the current need to reduce excess property.
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