WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the United States Navy notified Congress of a new, multiyear contract for the next block of Virginia-class submarines to be built by General Dynamics Electric Boat in New London. The Navy’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget request included a total of 11 submarines in Block V, but the multiyear contract only includes nine submarines, with an option for a tenth.

“Today’s announcement is an investment from the Navy in the future of Connecticut manufacturing, and a testament to the amazing work that the men and women of Electric Boat are doing in New London and Groton,” said Murphy. “I’ve seen firsthand the Virginia-class submarines being built as part of the Block III and IV contracts, and the next Block V contract will bring thousands of jobs to our state. I’ll continue to use my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee to keep these wins for Connecticut coming.”

“This contract is good news and a strong vote of confidence in the highly skilled, dedicated workers who build the best submarines on the planet to protect America. I am always amazed when I visit them by the strength, stealth, and versatility of the submarines they make. The Block V contract must maintain the current pace of construction to ensure our national defense, and current job levels,” said Blumenthal. “The nine boats are less than our nation needs, and the Navy will have to budget more funding in future years – which I will fight to achieve. Our goal continues to be a total of 11 submarines, as Electric Boat is more than capable of producing, and the American people should be expecting. At the same time, the Columbia Class program is ramping up, and I will work hard to prevent any delays or budget cuts in the Columbia or Virginia Class programs. Necessary to hire and train the thousands of new workers involved in these programs is a commitment to workforce training, which I will also fight to fund.”

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