Blumenthal Statement Regarding Esper’s Comments on Future of Submarine Force

(HARTFORD, CT) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding remarks from Secretary of Defense Mark Esper’s remarks on the future of submarine shipbuilding during a preview of the Navy Force Structure Plan:

“This plan represents a significant historic strategic advance for our Navy, but Secretary Esper’s words are meaningless without actual action. The Trump administration has consistently failed to commit appropriate resources even to achieve a smaller submarine fleet. Just this year, they proposed a budget that would not support a second Virginia class submarine, a move that directly contradicts this new plan to significantly increase submarine funding to meet ongoing and future threats. The submarines built in Connecticut are essential to our national security, and I will work closely with my colleagues, and the executive branch to ensure that we continue to expand our investment in both the Virginia and Columbia Class programs.”

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