Blumenthal Statement On Release Of Defense, Veterans Appropriations

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued a statement on the Senate Committee on Appropriations’ release of FY2014 defense and veterans appropriations, which will be included in the omnibus bill the Senate is expected to vote on this week.  

“This omnibus appropriations bill includes critically important funding for national security priorities, and provides significant certainty for the manufacturers, big and small, in Connecticut’s defense industry supply chain,” Blumenthal said. “This pivotal measure means Electronic Boat in Groton will continue to manufacture two submarines a year, Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford and Middletown will continue to build engines for Joint Strike Fighters, and Sikorsky in Stratford will develop the next generation of Air Force combat and search and rescue helicopters.”

Blumenthal added, “Critically, the bill will provide $25 million to ensure that every victim of sexual assault in the military will have their own counsel in trial proceedings.  Although more reforms are needed, victims will be encouraged to report such crimes.  Additionally, this bill provides an important down payment on our obligation to reduce the backlog of veterans claims for the benefits they are due.”