"The Seapower and Projection Forces mark before us represents essential investments in our ability to project peace through strength at sea and in the air, now and into the future."
Chairman Kelly's Statement as Prepared for Delivery:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I want to start by expressing my appreciation for the members of my subcommittee. Their dedication and engagement shaped the strong, bipartisan Seapower and Projection Forces mark before us.
With global tensions growing more complex and nuanced every day, projecting peace through strength at sea and in the skies is more important than ever. We have more work needed to protect national security, international order, and freedom of navigation. As our adversaries test American power with increasing scale and frequency, we must be able to respond forcefully and without hesitation. This overarching goal shaped the Seapower and Projection Forces mark we have here today.
To that end, we are committing to putting more hulls in the water this year and for the years ahead. We’re procuring one Columbia-class submarine this year as well as investing in advance procurement for future Columbia deliveries. I am excited that we are procuring two Virginia-class submarines, putting us at the target pace to support and strengthen our subsea advantage and back up our commitments.
The Seapower mark also invests in our surface fleet, with authority for procuring two guided missile destroyers and multi year procurement authority for future destroyers. With more than $60 billion authorized for shipbuilding and conversion, this mark supports strong investment in our surface fleet by supporting future carrier procurement as well as procurement of two amphibious warships, one frigate, two oilers, two submarine tenders, and one anti-submarine warfare ship in FY27.
The tensions of the last year have reinforced to all of us the crucial and versatile role of our Marine Corps as the tip of the spear in a wide variety of missions, and we need to keep it that way, which is why our subcommittee mark invests in faster and more agile production and procurement of amphibious ships. With authority for advance procurement and advance construction of systems and parts, as well as multi-ship procurement contract authority, this mark supports the end goal of a continuous 3.0 ARG/MEU presence.
The SPF mark also strengthens our ability to project American power in the skies. By keeping an elevated inventory of C-130 aircraft, supporting V-22 safety investment, procuring more P-8s, and allowing multi-year procurement for E-2D aircraft. We are forcing an analysis of alternatives for next-generation airlift, and renewing our commitment to our airborne force projection capabilities.
As I wrap up, I want to reiterate my thanks to the members of the Seapower Subcommittee, and I especially want to highlight the contributions of my good friend and our Ranking Member, Joe Courtney, whose dedication and leadership have been indispensable. I also want to thank the committee staff – Kyle, Kelly, Jeanine, and Abby – and my personal staff – Semaj, Shields, and our fellow, Marc.
The Seapower and Projection Forces mark before us represents essential investments in our ability to project peace through strength at sea and in the air, now and into the future, and I urge all members of this committee to support this mark.
