On the recordJuly 12, 2023
As we prepare to consider the National Defense Authorization Act, it is vital that we continue robust support for the United States Navy's submarine program. In recent years, we have seen that the world is still a dangerous place. Authoritarian actors all across the world pose a threat to the United States, to our democratic allies, and to peaceful people across the world. Against that backdrop, America's submarine fleet is one of the most important advantages that we have in our vital work to make the world safe for democracy. Vessels like the Virginia-class fast-attack submarines and the upcoming Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines are powerful and difficult for our enemies to detect. That makes them an essential deterrent that keeps our would-be adversaries from committing acts of aggression. As we work on the NDAA, the National Defense Authorization Act, it is imperative that we continue to fund production of the Virginia- and Columbia-class vessels at the Pentagon's recommended levels and that we also invest in workforce training, housing, and additional support for the thousands of tradesmen and -women in Rhode Island and across the country who are building these ships. In that spirit, I urge all of my colleagues to approve the amendment that I have submitted to direct the Department of Defense to study and implement strategies for expanding access to affordable housing for tradesmen and -women involved in Navy shipbuilding.…
