Key Defense Bill Moves Another Step Closer to Final Passage

Press Release

After months of hearings and bipartisan negotiations, Congress is poised to pass the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the $521 billion NDAA authorization to help maintain a strong, flexible military while providing critical support for U.S. troops and their families, as well as additional funds for conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and countering ISIL.

The bipartisan agreement includes a number of key provisions that were sponsored by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Committee, and recognizes the increasing strategic importance Rhode Island plays in our national defense.

As the Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, Reed authored key sections of the NDAA designed to strengthen our nation's naval readiness and boost submarine manufacturing, which is a vital part of Rhode Island's defense industry. Reed helped ensure the 2015 Defense Authorization bill includes full funding for the continuation of two Virginia-class submarines, which is critical given the cost savings achieved, the efficiencies gained in the production schedule, and the projected shortfall in attack submarines over the next decade.

"This is a balanced investment in maintaining a strong national defense and addressing future national security challenges. The NDAA seeks to better align American military strategy to available resources and I commend Chairman Levin and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working together on this bipartisan blueprint," said Reed. "I am pleased the House voted on a bipartisan basis and I look forward to the Senate debating and passing the bill next week."

Reed noted that as part of the strategy laid out in the NDAA, submarines' unique capability for stealth, strike capacity, and ability to deliver special forces personnel into difficult environments make them an extremely effective force multiplier and deterrent to our adversaries: "As our strategy focuses more on the Asia Pacific region, it is vital we have a robust submarine fleet. This legislation authorizes full funding for the continuation of the Virginia-class submarine, a critical component of both our national defense capabilities and the Rhode Island economy," said Reed.

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