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D-Conn. Rep. Rosa Delaulo confronted Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses on Tuesday during the Heated Housing Budget Committee, which heard of the country’s long-standing delays in shipbuilding capabilities.
The Democratic Party’s highest budget accused China of failing to present a clear and transparent plan to strengthen production at a time when China’s shipbuilding capabilities are estimated to be 230 times greater. She said the Biden administration was equally uncertain.
Delauro focused on what he characterized as a troublesome shortage between the Navy’s current production capacity and future strategic needs.
“Do you know where our submarine production is now and whether current production is sufficient to bridge the gap between the size of our current fleet and the expected needs?” she asked.
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Rep. Rosa Delauro confronted Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses during the Appropriations Committee for Heated Houses, which was heard on Tuesday about long-standing delays in the country’s shipbuilding capabilities. (Aldrago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“There’s a gap,” Heggs admitted, but “but I believe we’re closing it.”
However, Delauro was not satisfied and requested detailed data to support his claim.
“There’s no information or data to demonstrate what you’re saying,” she shot back. “Please tell me the details.”
“We have had difficulties with our previous administration and I’m fine with calling them. What are your plans for the future?”
Asked what the division’s investment status was in the submarine program, Hegustes boasted a 14% increase in fiscal 2026 budget requests for Columbia-class nuclear ballistic missile submarines and a “significant increase” for Virginia-class First Atc submarines.
However, lawmakers raised concerns about reports that the Pentagon plans to transfer $3.1 billion in funding to the Columbia-class submarine program between 201026 and 2027 and 2028.
China’s shipbuilding capabilities are estimated to be 230 times greater than the US (US Navy via AP)
“This will create serious problems for the industry in the short term and hinder the ability of shipbuilders to reach the right production rate,” warned Delauro. “Have you been in touch with the electric boat and Huntington Ingall about your plans?”
Hegseth pushed back saying that Top Pentagon officials were communicating regularly with the shipyard.
“Almost every day,” he said. “We’re actively involved. We can fill that gap in real time to make sure their needs are met and their shortages are being addressed.”
Delauro pointed out that he missed the deadline to deploy a major submarine contract approved under the ongoing resolution in December. Understanding that the contract will be concluded by February 2025, Congress has approved $5.7 billion for two-block IV and one-block V Virginia class submarines. The Department of Defense did not finalize the contract until April 30th.
“We’ve made a serious investment,” Delauro said. “Now we want to know where it’s heading and what your plan is.”
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“There’s a gap,” defense seconds. Pete Hegses acknowledged the country’s shipbuilding capabilities and needs (Reuters/Annabel Gordon)
When asked for details, Hegseth thanked the committee for its flexibility and acknowledged previous mismanagement under the previous administration. But Delauro cut him off.
“I want your plans,” she said. “Can I get it in writing, on paper? Because I don’t have anything today. I have a zip.”
Hegseth has committed to providing the committee with written details of the department’s submarine production plan.
“We have details and we provide them,” he said.
Delauro claimed that he wanted information before the committee’s markup on the same day.
The US Navy’s shipbuilding capabilities have been declining since the Cold War. In the 1980s, the United States aimed to have a fleet of 600 ships. Today it is struggling to maintain 300 operational vessels.
The Navy currently operates under 50 attack submarines, which are well below the long-term requirements of 66 ships, as outlined in a recent Navy Force structural assessment.
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Shipyards like the electric boats (general dynamics) of the Connecticut and Huntington Ingalls Industry in Virginia and Mississippi are the leading builders of nuclear submarines, but both are close to maximum capacity and face major workforce and supply chain challenges.
Shipbuilders report significant difficulties in hiring, training and retention of welding machines, pipe fittings, engineers and designers. Shipbuilding’s highly specialized supply chain has been hit particularly hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, slowing its recovery.
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