Courtney: 2011 Budget Compromise is Final Piece in Years-Long Effort to Double Submarine Production

Press Release

Congressman Joe Courtney today voted for the budget compromise that funds the government through the remainder of 2011, and hailed it as the final piece in a years-long effort to double submarine production. The bill, which continues an historic investment in submarines, includes more than $5.1 billion for Virginia-class submarines and about $623 million for research and development on the OHIO-class replacement.

"As in any compromise, no one got everything he or she wanted in this budget deal," said Congressman Courtney. "With this bill, however, we complete the hard-fought effort to build two submarines a year -- an effort that will have far-ranging economic benefits for eastern Connecticut. The House, Senate and the President all reaffirmed their continued support for shipbuilding and a long-term dedication to designing and building submarines in southeastern Connecticut. Even against the backdrop of fierce negotiations and tightening budgets, all sides agreed that submarines are a critical investment in our national security and our industrial base. That is a testament to the talented workforce at Electric Boat, which has repeatedly demonstrated its unique skills in completing submarines ahead of schedule and under budget."

The bill includes $5.1 billion for Virginia-class procurement, including $3.4 billion to build two submarines in 2011 -- the first year of increased submarine production as outlined in the multiyear contract signed in December 2008. Courtney secured $588 million in 2007 for the initial advanced procurement investment needed to increase the build rate to two submarines a year.

Additionally, the bill includes about $623 million for research and design of the Ohio-class replacement, SSBN(x). Of that total, $444 million goes towards the Advanced Submarine System Development program to continue development of the missile compartment, development of a new launcher system, and studies of ship design, capability requirements and technology options. The remaining $228.3 million is provided through the Advanced Nuclear Power Systems program for continued development of the ship's nuclear reactor power plant and associated systems.

In his first term, Congressman Courtney secured $8.2 million to provide the initial seed money necessary to being the concept and development work on the SSBN replacement, known as SSBN(x). In 2009, Courtney helped to support and pass the Administration's FY10 budget request of $495 million for expanded research, development and conceptual studies for the program. This funding was used to develop the new missile compartment and nuclear propulsion system, and as a result Electric Boat began hiring hundreds of engineers and designers to support the program. Additional design and engineering work at EB also directly led to the company's expansion into Pfizer's New London complex in June of 2010.

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