WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, released a statement on Monday after voting to support the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, legislation that will help keep Connecticut families safe and support the state’s aerospace and submarine manufacturing industries. The bill passed 85-10. Negotiators from the House and Senate will now work to resolve differences between this and the House-passed bill. Once signed into law, the Appropriations Committee will have the authorization to provide federal funding for the United States’ defense priorities. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Murphy works across the aisle to ensure bipartisan support for Connecticut manufacturers. 

“This bill will keep Connecticut families safe and our workers busy. It shows that, once again, Congress recognizes and respects Connecticut workers’ role in making the subs, jet engines and helicopters that are critical to our nation’s security,” said Murphy. “I’m going to spend the rest of the year working hard on the Appropriations Committee to push these investments across the finish line.” 

Senate Republicans blocked consideration of Murphy amendments to require the Pentagon purchase goods made in America, and require Congressional authorization before withdrawing U.S. troops from South Korea.

The National Defense Authorization Act includes funding authorizations for the following Connecticut priorities:

  • Adds $250 million above the President’s budget for two Virginia-class submarines in FY19 and advanced procurement for future submarines at $7.419 billion (Electric Boat/Groton)
  • Fully funds the Columbia-class submarine at $3.005 billion (Electric Boat/Groton)
  • Fully funds 8 CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters at $1.113 billion (Sikorsky/Stratford)
  • Funds 77 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters at $7.7 billion (Pratt & Whitney/Middletown)
  • Fully funds the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter Replacement at $649 million (Sikorsky/Stratford)
  • Fully funds 49 UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter at $988 million (Sikorsky/Stratford)
  • Fully funds the Combat Rescue Helicopter at $680 million (Sikorsky/Stratford)
  • Provides a 2.6% pay raise to military service members

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