Henrico Times

In a recent panel discussion at the POLITICO Defense Summit, Congressman Rob Wittman, vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), addressed several key issues including the holdup of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference process, supplemental funding for the U.S. submarine industrial base, U.S. shipbuilding, and the AUKUS security pact.

Regarding the Senate's delay in advancing the NDAA, Congressman Wittman acknowledged the challenges in completing the conference process before the end of the year without further delays. He stated, "if they don't assign and go to conference by the end of this week, it makes it incredibly difficult to get it done before the end of the year without the ping pong, as you said." He emphasized the need for members and staff to engage in discussions to resolve differences and consult with the key stakeholders.

Congressman Wittman and Rep. Joe Courtney also expressed their support for supplemental funding for the U.S. submarine industrial base. Congressman Wittman highlighted the importance of this funding, saying, "Joe and I have been fighting for that for years. We wish it had come years ago." He stressed the need to prioritize investments in the submarine industrial base and shipyards or ship repair yards to ensure the readiness and efficiency of the U.S. naval forces.

On the topic of the AUKUS security pact, Congressman Wittman emphasized the importance of increasing the number of submarines among the three nations involved. He stated, "AUKUS needs to result in a net increase in submarines among the three nations. We want to ensure it helps our industrial base, contributing to the growth of the Australian industrial base." He further discussed the progress made so far, including the significant influx of $6.4 billion in funding, and the need for a steady demand signal to support the growth of the submarine industrial base.

Congressman Wittman also highlighted the critical role of shipbuilding in U.S. military power. He emphasized the need to build more ships, stating, "It's about time people recognize the U.S. Navy's influence on global actors. The Navy is the tip of the spear, and our sailors and Marines, no matter how skilled, can't walk on water. We need to build more ships, and the right number is 355." He also stressed the urgency of accelerating the timeline to meet the requirement of 66 attack submarines, which is currently projected to be achieved by 2049.

In conclusion, Congressman Wittman's remarks at the POLITICO Defense Summit shed light on important issues related to the NDAA conference process, supplemental funding for the U.S. submarine industrial base, the AUKUS security pact, and the significance of shipbuilding in maintaining U.S. military power. These discussions highlight the need for collaboration and investment to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of the U.S. naval forces in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.

Click this link to access more information: https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=5349