National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Chair, I start by commending the chairman for his leadership over the committee for the last 6 years.

I am excited to highlight a few of the many wins for the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee in this year's bill.

The committee-reported product authorizes the procurement of the fourth Columbia-class submarine, two Virginia-class submarines, two guided missile destroyers, and two amphibious warships. Combined with incremental funding authority for long-lead time components for the Virginia-class program, multiyear procurement authority for destroyers, and multiship procurement authority for future amphibious warships, we are supporting responsible investments in the future of our surface fleet and in the continued growth of our subsea advantages.

At the same time, we are growing our asymmetric capabilities, investing in transformational and innovative unmanned systems like the MQ-25 carrier-launched unmanned aircraft and unmanned surface vehicles to complement our traditional platforms in a lethal and high-low mix.

The bill also contains parts of the SHIPS for America Act, which will help us down the path to a rejuvenated maritime industrial base.

We are also reinforcing our commitment to our force projection and airborne combat capabilities, with procurement of intra-theater airlift, 12 P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, 6 E-2Ds Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft, a new strategic sealift vehicle, and a bulk fuel vehicle. We also provide authorities for cost savings and a consistent demand signal to industry for a multiyear procurement of E- 2D aircraft, as well.

The challenges of our global security environment are only growing more complex, but what cannot change is our ability to project American power. The technology and platforms may change with the moment, but the end goal remains the same: peace through strength.

This is a strong bill that makes essential steps toward delivering on the promise now and for the years to come.

Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to vote ``yes.'' I also thank my Ranking Member, Joe Courtney, and the staff: Kyle Noyes, Kelly Goggin, Jeanine Womble, Abby Snyder, and my personal staff, Semaj Redd, Shields Armstrong, and our fellow, Marc Mundy for all their hard work.

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for allowing me to speak in favor of the FY27 NDAA.

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