Ranking Member Courtney Votes to Advance Bipartisan Annual Defense Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, voted to advance the bipartisan FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R.8070) out of the House Armed Services Committee (57-1). The Committee-passed NDAA provides authorization to reverse the Navy’s request to cut procurement of a Virginia Class submarine while also securing new forms of support for America’s servicemembers and their families.
For a fact sheet on Courtney-led priorities, click here.
“This evening, House Armed Services Committee members advanced the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act which takes critical steps to grow our submarine fleet, keep the AUKUS security partnership on track, and provide long-overdue quality of life improvements for our servicemembers and their families,” Courtney stated.
On Virginia Class procurement and AUKUS, Ranking Member Courtney said: “Following months-long scrutiny conducted by Seapower Chairman Trent Kelly (R-MS), myself, and our outstanding professional staff, the Armed Services Committee, by a vote of 57-1, agreed to overrule the Navy’s 2025 budget plan to eliminate a Virginia Class submarine.
“This overwhelming commitment to maintain a steady procurement rate comes at a critical time when attack submarines are in high demand across the globe and as we prepare to sell three submarines to Australia beginning in 2032. This effort demonstrates Congress’ ironclad commitment to fulfilling the AUKUS security partnership by making it easier for the future president to certify the sale of attack submarines—a provision this Committee authored just last year. The Committee’s action was done within the confines of tight spending caps from the Fiscal Responsibly Act.”
On the impact to New England’s submarine industrial base and military service members, Ranking Member Courtney said: “Authorizing the second Virginia Class boat sends a strong demand signal to suppliers across the state that business will remain strong, giving them the assurances and stability needed to continue growing their businesses to meet demand.
“This defense bill also makes generational investments in our servicemembers and their families – which will be welcomed among the thousands of submariners and their families in eastern Connecticut. This includes a 19.5 percent pay increase for junior enlisted officers; increased funding to upgrade living conditions at barracks; better access to quality health care and affordable childcare; and expanded employment opportunities for military spouses. These improvements are sorely needed, especially at a time when nearly every service experiences recruitment challenges.”
To register for Ranking Member Courtney’s virtual Conference on Thursday, May 23 at 11 a.m., click here.
For a fact sheet on Courtney-led priorities, click here.
For a video and transcript of Ranking Member Courtney’s remarks during the Committee markup, click here.