Press Releases

Increased Work and Jobs for Virginia Class Submarine Program Come as a Result of Wittman’s Work on House Armed Services Committee

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today issued the following statement about Northrop Grumman Corporation’s intent to spend more than $200 million on an additional facility in Newport News and increase the number of workers on the Virginia Class Submarine Program by hundreds of new employees.

“I am elated to see that my work on the Armed Services Committee to accelerate the build-rate to two submarines a year has resulted in the addition of hundreds of new jobs for the Newport News area.  This is a win-win for the constituents of the First Congressional District, the American taxpayers, and for our national defense.  The new jobs and investment in infrastructure for the Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard is a fantastic benefit to the First District, and most importantly, will result in a more robust naval fleet,” Wittman said.

As Co-Chair of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, Congressman Wittman has consistently worked hard to ensure the Navy’s force structure plans continue to reflect a plan to reach the 313 ship navy that has been widely accepted as the necessary minimum for ensuring a proper naval force to handle today’s national security requirements.  Over two years ago, Congressman Wittman was successful working to include a provision in the Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to start the process for authorizing two Virginia Class submarines per year.  This initial provision was critical and resulted the following year in advanced authorization for the procurement of two submarines per year.