(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today applauded the House Appropriations Committee for providing an additional $588 million in the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Appropriations measure to build components for an additional sub to be constructed as early as FY 2009. This is the funding level that was recommended by the House Armed Services Committee in the FY2008 Defense Authorization bill.  While this proposal stills need to win approval from the full House and Senate, Langevin, co-chair of the Congressional Submarine Caucus, is optimistic. 

In July, Langevin sent a letter, cosigned by 13 of his colleagues, asking that the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee include the full authorized level of $588 million in its spending bill to expedite construction of a second Virginia-class submarine.
 
“Today’s decision is extremely encouraging for the future of shipbuilding in southeastern New England. This morning’s committee vote provides the necessary funding to move us closer to the goal of building two submarines per year -- a level that will ensure that our nation’s submarine fleet remains robust and that our talented workforces at Electric Boat in Quonset and Groton remain busy.

“I have long advocated for the need to provide additional funding to keep our submarine fleet from shrinking to dangerously low levels. This appropriation will also support the Navy’s need to adopt long-term shipbuilding and research and development plans.

“I would like to thank Congressman John Murtha, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, for his April tour of Electric Boat and his constant support on this issue. We all recognize the importance of this decision not only for our national defense but for maintaining the talented workforce at Electric Boat. I, along with my colleague, Congressman Joe Courtney of Connecticut, will continue to advocate for this vital program as the process continues.”

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