Rep. Courtney welcomes significant submarine funding in President Obama's proposed FY2010 budget

Representative Joe Courtney welcomed President Obamas support for the Virginia-class submarine program and the significant investment for the research and design of the next generation SSBN submarine, as stated in the release of the Administrations Fiscal Year 2010 budget proposal to Congress on May 7, 2009.

The Presidents budget significantly increases funding for the OHIO-Class submarine replacement program, known as SSBN(x). Grotons Electric Boat is already working n the program in developing a Common Missile Compartment to be shared between the United States and the United Kingdom, which is also replacing their SSBNs. The total budget expected for research and development for the program in 2010 is $495 million.

President Obamas significant and early support of the Navys submarine program is very encouraging news, stated Courtney. The increased efficiency and cost-cutting measures taken by the Electric Boat workforce, and the submarines proven value to our national defense have proven to be a winning combination for what is a strong commitment by the Obama Administration. After my two year effort to expand Virginia-class production under the Bush Administration, I am pleased that the new White House is expressing early and significant support for the future of the submarine program.

In a November 21 letter to then President-elect Obama, Congressman Courtney wrote, I strongly encourage you to program sufficient resources in the next budget submission for the start of significant research and development on the platform in 2010.

The Presidents budget also proposes to allocate $4.2 billion to the Virginia-class program. The funding includes $3.924 billion for Virginia-class procurement, including $1.964 for the 2010 boat and $1.960 for advanced procurement for the next boats in the previously signed Block III contract.  The 2010 budget represents a $351 million increase in procurement funding over 2009, and supports advanced procurement for two submarines a year starting in 2011.

The Presidents proposed total spending on the Virginia-class program also includes $154.8 million for research and development, which will focus on large area bow array efforts, integrated low pressure electrolyzer development, and system level and subsystem improvements to Virginia class electronic systems. 

In December 2008, Congressman Courtney led a letter to then President-Elect Obama urging his support for the Virginia-class program and the increase in procurement to two a year starting in 2011.

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