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“While completing the NDAA took a little more effort this year, I am proud to have played a key role in getting this important measure across the finish line. The agreement passed today is a strong statement of support for Connecticut’s submarine industrial base, anchored by the men and women of Electric Boat, as well as our aerospace industry. The revised NDAA maintains all of the priorities that are critical to our state, and invests wisely in long-term national security priorities, as well as in our military families. As the House Armed Services Committee continues to grapple with a difficult budget climate in the years ahead, I am pleased that the Congressional Budget Office has identified the National Sea-Based Deterrence Fund as a mechanism to realize billions in savings as we move forward with the effort to recapitalize our SSBN fleet,” Courtney said.

"The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network weighing in to support repeal of the 'Cadillac tax' demonstrates that at the end of the day, this will be a reform that goes to the heart of the Affordable Care Act's admirable goals: expanding access to critical, lifesaving care. ACS CAN recognizes that the 'Cadillac tax,' if applied as directed through regulations, will raise barriers that would deprive patients of needed cancer screenings, diagnostic tests, and lifesaving treatment. We must repeal this onerous tax before it diminishes the progress we have made since enactment of the ACA," said Courtney.

In terms of power projection, technology, flexibility, and global presence, it is hard to argue that there is any stronger component of American might than the aircraft carrier. Today, aircraft carriers are deployed throughout the world, on station when and where our country needs them most. They occupy a key role in our national strategy, providing a permanent and mobile presence in some of the globe’s most contentious hot spots.

"USDA Rural Development provides small towns in our region with access to low-cost loans and grant funding to support critical infrastructure projects that are vital to economic growth. I congratulate First Selectwoman Nicholson on this significant victory for Pomfret, and I will continue to work in Washington to maintain access to Rural Development funds for eastern Connecticut towns," Courtney said.

“The annual Aerospace and Defense International Trade Summit provides Connecticut suppliers with a unique opportunity to meet with international prime contractors and government officials right here in Mystic. Eastern Connecticut’s defense sector is a cornerstone of our economy, encompassing hundreds of companies throughout the state in the submarine supply chain. I encourage Connecticut companies to take advantage of this chance to increase exports and develop relationships with major defense and aerospace companies from around the world,” Courtney said.

"Since the seventeen-day government shutdown in 2013 orchestrated by House Republicans, our nation has lurched from crisis to crisis, averting disaster through short term patches and eleventh-hour gimmicks. The lack of certainty in the budgeting process, the looming threat of sequestration, and the threat of default on the full faith and credit of our treasury bonds, have needlessly hamstrung our nation's economic recovery and hindered our military and key government agencies from performing their missions."

Our undersea capabilities remains one of the most distinctive and asymmetrical advantages for our nation. One of the greatest challenges we face, however, is the rapid developments in undersea sensors, capabilities and platforms around the world. The reality is that this significant and hard-earned edge in the undersea realm is perishable if we do not do all we can now to maintain this core advantage for the future.

“The award of the contract for the Long Range Strike Bomber today is an important and welcome step forward in ensuring that our nation retains our critical strike and power projection capabilities.” Courtney said. “As testimony before our subcommittee has shown definitively, our nation’s ability to project power and strike from far distances is a cornerstone of our warfighting capabilities – both now and well into the future. In the coming months, Congress must do all it can on a bipartisan basis to support this program, while also providing the necessary oversight to ensure successful execution. As ranking member of the House Seapower and Projections Forces Subcommittee, I look forward to working with the Air Force, industry and my colleagues in Congress to ensure success of this critical national priority.”