OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Wittman on PB: Shipbuilding Accounts Can't Decrease

Statement

Date: Feb. 10, 2020
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense Government Budget and Spending

Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), top Republican on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released this statement on the shipbuilding numbers in the President's Budget:

"Simply put, the budget published today does not invest nearly enough in shipbuilding. It is clear to me--and it should be clear to everyone at this point--that we are in a full-scale strategic competition. And, while China is on track to reach a 420-ship Navy by 2035, we are struggling to stay on track with our 355-ship Navy shipbuilding plan. We must note that the $128 billion Columbia-program will be dominating the shipbuilding accounts in the coming years, edging out new projects. A decrease in the shipbuilding account is the opposite direction we need to be going if we are to compete. I will be working in this year's NDAA to get this number back where it needs to be to continue to build and maintain our Fleet; I won't allow us to lose ground."


Source
arrow_upward