Courtney statement on passage of Continuing Resolution maintaining two-a-year submarine build rate

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today released the following statement after voting in favor of the Fiscal Year 2013 Continuing Resolution (CR) being considered by the Congress that would continue to fully fund continued doubled submarine production at Electric Boat.

"Like the President, I have serious concerns with this bill but also believe there is time and need to refine it," said Congressman Courtney. "Passing a CR which averts a March 27 government shutdown gives the Senate time to do just that. Extending budget relief to non-defense priorities along the same lines as Defense and the VA would allow a balanced resolution to the budget impasse and empower our economy to create more jobs."

"For now, especially with the sequester in effect, the CR accomplishes the important goal of keeping the government open, while also continuing the two-per-year submarine production rate at Electric Boat. That, in turn, protects not just our national security strategy but also thousands of jobs across our region that rely on stability in our submarine industrial base. Last month at a House Armed Services Committee hearing, I asked Navy CNO Adm. Jonathan Greenert what effect failing to enact a full-year defense bill would have on the Navy. He confirmed that funding the Navy at prior-year levels would leave them well short of necessary funding to keep up with operations and readiness needs, and that the workforce that maintains Navy vessels would be impacted."

Video of Congressman Courtney's exchange with Adm. Greenert is available at this link.

Congressman Courtney is a member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.