WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, commended on Monday the U.S. Navy’s recently-released 30-year shipbuilding plan, which calls for the stable production of two submarines a year until 2048. 

“This 30-year plan is great news for the men and women in Connecticut who build the finest submarines in the world. It’s proof that the Navy is committed to steady production of our submarine force, and I know that Electric Boat’s workers and their Connecticut suppliers are positioned better than ever to fill the demand. I couldn’t be more proud to represent them in Washington,” said Murphy. “I will keep fighting on the Appropriations Committee for more federal dollars to ramp up our defense manufacturing base and the local jobs it supports.”

Blumenthal said, “This report is good news for Connecticut jobs and our national security— a strong sign of confidence from the Navy that Connecticut submarines will remain a top and growing priority far into the future. Increasing submarine production enhances our national security by strengthening critical undersea capabilities, while also creating and retaining high skilled manufacturing workforce here in Connecticut. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will work to ensure this important report results in real investment now and into the future.”

The FY 2018-2019 budget agreement Murphy and Blumenthal supported last week includes critical defense investments, including robust funding for Connecticut’s industrial manufacturing base. In the FY 2018 Defense Appropriations and Defense Authorization bills, Murphy and Blumenthal fought for over $5 billion for Procurement of Virginia Class Submarines. 

Electric Boat currently employs 10,700 Connecticut workers and supports manufacturing work at over 450 local suppliers.