Connecticut Democrats criticize Biden’s suggested reductions in submarine manufacturing
Connecticut Backlash Over Proposed Submarine Funding Cuts
Connecticut’s congressional contingent is in an uproar over President Joe Biden’s proposed budget cuts that threaten the state’s submarine production—a move with potentially dire implications for local employment and economic health.
The Pentagon has set its sights on reducing the naval budget, which involves slashing funds for a Virginia class submarine—courtesy of Groton’s Electric Boat.
The Impact on Local Jobs and National Security
Joe Courtney, who plays a pivotal role in the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, has labeled the cuts as counterintuitive, citing the waste of already allocated funds in a half-completed project. According to Courtney:
- “This is just the opening bell.” Should these reductions materialize, they would exacerbate the shortfall in our attack submarine fleet, already lacking 17 vessels from its ideal strength.
This budgetary pivot arrives despite a previously outlined plan to furnish Australia with three submarines—a move aimed at countering China’s growing maritime assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
Sentiment from Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy
Both Democratic Senators, Blumenthal, and Murphy, have branded the proposal as regressive. For them, the backbone of Connecticut’s economy—local workers and small businesses—has been toiling to resurrect the submarine industrial sphere.
- “Dialing back submarine procurement in fiscal year 2025,” according to the statement, threatens the momentum of boosting the nation’s submarine supply chain and workforce.
They argue that any reduction in funding might impair the fleet’s upgrade and ability to counter global threats promptly.
We can’t risk slowing the rejuvenation of the submarine industrial base, driven by local innovation and new, rewarding Connecticut jobs.
The Role of Electric Boat & Industry Reaction
Electric Boat, a General Dynamics brainchild, is the crux of Virginia-class submarine production, co-manufacturing with Huntington Ingalls Industries. This Groton-based powerhouse not only influences national defense but also supports over 21,500 jobs.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which boasts a 600,000-strong membership, has sought Biden’s assurance for ongoing support of two Virginia-class submarines each fiscal year. Their stance is clear:
- Consistent funding is paramount—a message echoed by union president Brian Bryant, who insists on the necessity for a “clear market signal” to foster a skilled workforce and boost the efficiency of submarine production.
With jobs, local economies, and national security in the balance, Connecticut’s leaders and industry advocates stand united against proposed budget cuts, calling for sustained investment in a vital component of America’s defense infrastructure.
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