HASC adds funds for Virginia-class subs, Ukraine in FY26 policy bill
Republicans successfully batted down a number of Democratic amendments during the 14-hour markup session.
Republicans successfully batted down a number of Democratic amendments during the 14-hour markup session.
President Donald Trump’s embrace of a luxurious jet offered as a gift by the Qatari royal family has drawn bipartisan concerns about converting the aircraft to serve as a new executive airlifter.
The bill extends government funding until mid-March.
"The safety of our sailors is our top concern, and we must immediately understand any risks associated with the faulty work,” said four top leaders of the House Armed Services Committee.
“The government could be responsible for hundreds of millions in additional construction costs for the lead submarine,” according to the Government Accountability Office.
Many pro-defense Democrats voted against the traditionally bipartisan NDAA, after Republicans added conservative social riders to the bill.
The policy, spearheaded by the House, will require agreement from the Senate before it stands a chance at becoming law.
The more specific policy language would close apparent loopholes the Pentagon had been using and force a major change compared to how previous programs had been run.
The letter is the latest sign lawmakers have rejected the Navy's argument that the cut was a strategic one due to a construction backlog, though some key signatures are missing.
The comments from the General Dynamics chief come on the same day President Joe Biden signed the national security supplemental, which includes billions for the sub industrial base.
“The Connecticut delegation has questions about why, with that [FY24] appropriation in hand, this happened,” said Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn.
In "my opinion, the Navy is looking backwards, not forwards, in terms of what’s actually happening in the shipyards with this proposal," the Democrat said of the Navy's submarine budget proposal.
A number of lawmakers met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this morning on Capitol Hill following the Aussie's Wednesday meetings and reception at the White House.
In a new op-ed, Rep. Joe Courtney, D-CT., makes the case for why America's submarine capabilities are still robust.