Reed Includes Several RI Priorities in Defense Appropriations Bill

Press Release

The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved a $574.6 billion defense funding measure for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. The bill includes several provisions and initiatives backed by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Defense Subcommittee, that will enhance our security and benefit Rhode Island.

Reed, who also serves as the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, authored key sections of the spending bill designed to strengthen our naval readiness and boost submarine manufacturing, which is a vital part of Rhode Island's defense industry. Today, Reed announced that the bill provides $5.04 billion for the Virginia-class submarine program. This includes an additional $85 million above the budget request for the advance procurement of two ships planned in 2018. This will ensure the program stays on track as the Navy begins buying supplies for the first submarines to be equipped with the Virginia Payload Module.

Reed noted this funding would allow workers at Electric Boat's facilities at Quonset Point in North Kingstown to continue making significant contributions to building these submarines and defending our nation.

"These submarines are absolutely vital to the U.S. Navy's global undersea dominance and the security of our nation. They are force multipliers and an indispensable element of our deterrent strategy. Their capacity for stealth and strike make them a unique, unmatched strategic asset," said Reed. "I commend the highly-skilled, hardworking men and women of Electric Boat for their craftsmanship, innovation, and outstanding contributions to building these submarines. At a time when other nations are expanding their own undersea forces, Congress must continue to make cost-effective investments to ensure our submarine force has superior technology to retain our undersea advantages."

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