WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee, made the following remarks as prepared for delivery, at the Subcommittee’s markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.
“I continue to be perplexed as to our nation’s approach to deterring maritime conflict. Last year, after intense deliberation about how quickly to grow our maritime forces, the Trump Administration responded with an aggressive plan to deliver the future fleet that was funded and actionable. For fiscal year 2022, the previous Administration proposed a construction plan for 12 battle force ships.
“Fast forward to today, the Biden Administration delivered an inadequate 30-year shipbuilding plan and indicated that they are further reviewing our maritime capabilities. Only 8 battle force ships were proposed in the Biden budget request, an anemic budget request that Admiral Gilday indicates will not be able to support “a bigger fleet unless we see a rise in the top line.” Despite Admiral Gilday’s fervent declaration that “a 355-ship fleet remains the Navy’s North Star,” the Biden Administration’s aspiration to pace China is significantly impaired.
“While the Biden administration dithers, our competitors are sprinting forward. China already has the world’s largest Navy, and with the world’s largest shipbuilding industrial base, China can quickly accelerate during times of instability and conflict. With over 2,500 total aircraft and approximately 2,000 combat aircraft, China’s Aviation components together constitute the largest aviation forces in the region and the third-largest in the world. Put simply, China’s Air Force is rapidly catching up to Western air forces across a broad range of capabilities and competencies.
“While I believe that Chairman Courtney’s mark is excellent for the monies allocated to the subcommittee, I think that it is essential to not only pace with China, but to have 2-3 percent real growth over our inflationary pacing goals that have been partially exacerbated by excessive federal spending.
“As to the mark, I wholeheartedly support eight vessels, which include a second destroyer. I also support Chairman Courtney’s mark that supports the Tanker Security Program and the continued recapitalization of the Ready Reserve Force. Chairman Courtney’s mark also continues essential future development funding for the Columbia ballistic missile submarine and the B-21 bomber—both essential components to our nation’s nuclear deterrence.
“But, if we are serious about deterring future conflict, I think that we need to significantly boost our maritime capabilities and support the Trump Administration’s goals of rapidly expanding naval shipbuilding. This would include additional ship construction and weapons procurement that is not currently recommended for inclusion in the Chairman’s mark. This should also include retention of certain legacy assets that would deter conflict in the short- and mid-term.
“In conclusion, I want to thank Chairman Courtney for his leadership on this subcommittee. He continues to set the standard in delivering a mark that supports innumerable advances for the military services. I am pleased to associate myself with Chairman Courtney’s efforts. I hold the belief that we can do even better during the full committee debate and look forward to making this excellent mark even better.”
Specifically, the FY22 NDAA SPF Mark:
- Adopts Rep. Wittman’s amendment to authorize an amphibious ship bundled contract that is expected to save the Navy almost $800 million.
- Recommends the restoration of a second Arleigh Burke class destroyer.
- Recommends to the full committee that the Navy procure eight battle force ships including two Virginia-class submarines; two DDG 51 Arleigh Burke destroyers; one guided missile Frigate (FFG); one T-AO fleet oiler; one T-AGOS(X) surveillance ship; and one T-ATS towing, salvage, and rescue ships.
- Includes a provision that will help ensure ship designs are adequately mature at the start of construction.
- Maintains a statutory floor that the Air Force is required to retain for tactical airlift aircraft.
- Mandates a cost and schedule baseline for the B-52 commercial re-engine program.
- Requires the Navy to make sustainment a Key Performance Parameter (KPP) during the solicitation.
- Adds additional components to the continuous production authority within the National Sea Based Deterrence Fund (NSBDF).
- Recommends two 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.
- Requires the Navy to implement a land-based test program for the DDG(X) destroyer program.
- Restricts funds associated with the VC-25B program until an updated schedule is provided.
- Requires the Navy to include an advanced degaussing system in the next multi-year contract for DDG-51 destroyers.
- Fully funds the Tanker Security Fleet at the authorized level of $60M.
- Recommends full funding for the B-21 Raider program.
- Recommends funding of the 5th National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) for the State Maritime Academies.
