On the recordJuly 23, 2013
I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise not only as the Representative of the area that includes Naval Base Kitsap, which is the home port of eight SSBNs and 60 percent of the Navy's SSBN force, but I rise with a nonparochial interest as well. I am in opposition to this amendment because we know the SSBNs, or the Ohio-class subs, have been a pillar of our national defense for over three decades. These subs and their crews act as peacekeepers around the world every single day. They are amongst our most significant assets for a continued forward-presence and are a strategic deterrent around the world. Our country, our Navy, and our sailors cannot afford to delay the recapitalization of this platform. While I thank the gentleman from Oregon for bringing this forward, I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment.
