Courtney Praises House Passage of Defense Authorization Act as Victory for Connecticut Manufacturers, Troops

Press Release

Congressman Joe Courtney and the House of Representatives today passed the FY12 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), building on gains in submarine production and bolstering eastern Connecticut's industrial base. The bill authorizes billions of dollars of investments for Electric Boat and other key defense priorities for eastern Connecticut and the state. The NDAA sets the federal budget for the Department of Defense for the next fiscal year beginning on October 1, 2011.

The NDAA includes $4.8 billion in funding for the Virginia-class attack submarine program, including $3.2 billion to build two submarines in 2012 and advanced funding to prepare to build two each in 2013 and 2014. The bill marks the second-consecutive year of fully funding doubled submarine production -- a goal Courtney worked on for nearly five years, beginning in his first year in Congress.

"Doubled submarine production at Electric Boat is good for EB, and has massive economic benefits that will ripple across Connecticut," said Congressman Courtney. "Additional manufacturing and design work on the OHIO replacement program has already directly led to EB's expansion into Pfizer's New London complex last June. The new work already underway and the work bolstered by today's vote solidify those gains, providing security for our region's economy and for the men and women of EB who routinely complete submarines ahead of schedule and under budget.

"Although there were additional amendments which I was disappointed to see fail, I am hopeful the House bill still can be improved as it is considered in the Senate and in conference."

The bill also includes a bipartisan amendment offered by Congressman Courtney to expand the Troops to Teachers (TTT) program. TTT offers educational stipends to qualifying veterans who wish to transition to careers in education. Rep. Courtney's amendment, which was adopted today, reduces the service requirement, allowing more Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to participate in the program.

"Our men and women in uniform are among the most talented, public-spirited Americans in today's workforce," said Congressman Courtney. "Expanding this program will direct their unmatched experience, discipline, and leadership skills into America's classrooms. This is a win-win situation for our schools, military personnel, and especially our children."

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