Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released this statement on the Navy’s FY2020 Budget Request:

“There is currently an increase in reliance on our maritime system; our seas are more stressed, used, and contested than ever before. Our adversaries, specifically Russia and China, are building up their maritime capabilities, and in the Era of Great Power Competition, we must invest in what the Navy has defined as its priorities: to be bigger, better, and more ready.  

“The President’s defense budget provides the appropriate top-line necessary to combat increasingly complex threats from our adversaries. This blueprint includes multiple provisions I have advocated for as a senior member of HASC; most notedly, the inclusion of full funding for the procurement of a third attack submarine in FY2020. This accelerated build schedule underscores the importance of these vessels for the Navy and is a step towards meeting the needs of our combatant commanders.  

“Our aircraft carrier is the nation’s preeminent power projection platform. Keeping Refueling and Complex Overhauls (RCOH) on schedule and advanced procurement funded properly is critical to meeting combatant commander's demand for carrier strike groups. We have made a significant investment in these ships, and I am perplexed why this budget request is taking the cornerstone of the United States Naval Force and allowing it to atrophy. I believe this is both strategically and fiscally irresponsible and I will be fighting in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) negotiations to ensure we stay on the path to 12 carriers and 355 ships.

Lastly, I am also disappointed to see the funding cut for two LPDs. Amphibious ships are critical to the mission of our United States Marine Corps and until we have a reasonable alternative, we cannot afford to lose this capability.