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Floor Speech

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Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. This measure fulfills our duty to strengthen our national security and to serve those who serve us.

That is particularly true of the efforts of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee which, pursuant to Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, has responsibility to provide and maintain the Navy.

Our subcommittee has a record $32.6 billion for shipbuilding, authorizes procurement of 13 battle force ships, and fully funds the Navy's number one priority, the Columbia Submarine Program. It funds high-end warfighting capabilities, including three destroyers, two Virginia-class subs, and two fast frigates that will fill a critical need to conduct antisubmarine warfare. This bill also blocks the early termination of the LPD production line and sets a statutory floor on amphibious warships.

The bill invests a record $750 million in our submarine industrial base to grow its workforce and manufacturing supply chains across the country, which is critical to maintain production cadence. It fully funds the Maritime and Tanker Security Programs and designates the Maritime Administration as the lead agency to design and construct up to 10 sealift vessels, built by American workers, for use in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.

It also takes an important step in furthering the Australia, U.K., and U.S., AUKUS, security agreement. It authorizes entry of Australian submariners into our naval nuclear training programs to provide them with the experience necessary to command their own nuclear-powered, undersea fleet of the future.

For aviation projection forces, it authorizes procurement of five additional tactical airlifters, two Osprey tiltrotors, and two early warning aircraft. It also authorizes full funding for the B-21 Raider and sets statutory floors for the C-130 and aerial refueling tanker fleets.

Mr. Speaker, this bill, which passed out of our committee with strong bipartisan support--and I particularly salute my ranking member, Rob Wittman--provides our Nation with the capability to assure allies, deter conflict, and defend our homeland.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bill.

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