Press Releases

Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Ranking Member of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, voted “yes” on committee passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21):

“The FY21 NDAA that has passed out of Committee tonight is, on the whole, a good mark. This mark seeks to rapidly expand unique, asymmetric advantages the United States maintains over our peers and seeks to impose a cost imposition strategy with these investments.

“I am proud that the Seapower and Protection Forces Subcommittee provisions in the FY21 NDAA passed unanimously, speaking to the bipartisan nature of this year’s markup process. Several measures that I championed for our warfighters and those who support them passed in this mark.

“I also led the charge and accelerated the Commandant of Marine Corps’ redesign. Other vital measures in this year’s mark include: strengthening the DOD’s ability to counter weapons of mass destruction, with a focus on chemical and biological threat reduction; creates a pilot program to establish or expand job placement programs for unemployed guardsmen or reservists; mandating and supporting a space sensor layer that is capable of tracking both advanced ballistic and hypersonic missile threats; and requiring that the Armed Forces have the diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and the personal protective equipment necessary to protect members of the Armed Forces from the threat of infectious diseases.

“These measures support our military community throughout our nation and the Commonwealth. Our area is home to one of the largest populations of military members, their families, and the hardworking Americans who develop and support the platforms, systems, and programs that our warfighters use to execute their critical missions around the globe. Advocating for these individuals is one of my top priorities, and I am proud of the provisions in the FY21 NDAA that put our military community first.

“I want to commend Chairman Smith, Chairman Courtney, and Ranking Member Thornberry for their leadership in giving us a mark worth supporting. While there are provisions that will still need to be worked through as we move forward in the NDAA process, I look forward to working with my colleagues in a bipartisan way on the House Floor and in Conference to the betterment of our military.”

Specific Seapower provisions included in the NDAA for FY21:

• Recommends the restoration of a second Virginia Class submarine and the required advanced procurement to maintain the two per year build rate;
• Recommends to the full committee that the Navy procure 9 battle force ships including one Columbia class fleet ballistic missile submarine; two Virginia-class submarines; two DDG 51 Arleigh Burke destroyers; one guided missile Frigate (FFG); two T-ATS towing, salvage, and rescue ships; and one expeditionary fast transport ship (EPF);
• Prohibits the retirement of LCS-3 and LCS-4 until all operational tests have been completed; 
• Prohibits the retirement of any aircraft carrier before its first refueling; 
• Establishes a statutory floor that the Air Force is required to retain for air refueling aircraft;
• Establishes a statutory floor that the Air Force is required to retain for tactical airlift aircraft; 
• Recommends 6 P-8 Poseidon aircraft;
• Recommends 4 additional V-22 Osprey aircraft;
• Recommends continuing support for the propulsion and propeller upgrades of Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve C-130H airlift aircraft;
• Authorizes efficient construction of the first two Columbia class ballistic missile submarines.
• Restricts funds associated with the Secretary of Defense until the 30-year shipbuilding plan is delivered.
• In Fiscal Year 2021, prohibits the retirement of any navy vessel until the Secretary of Defense provides a Navy force structure assessment.
• Authorizes the procurement of up to 4 used sealift vessels.  
• Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide ship requirements to implement the Commandant’s Planning Guidance.
• Establishes a Tanker Security Fleet to help fill the gap in at sea logistics;
• Recommends full funding for the B-21 Raider program;
• Recommends funding of the 4th National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) for the State Maritime Academies and recommends additional funds for previously authorized ships;
• Continues to provide strict oversight of the Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV)