Larson Statement on Fiscal Year 2021 Defense Appropriations

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01)released the following statement on the Fiscal Year 2021 Defense Appropriations package that passed the House.

"This defense funding package continues to make strong investments in our nation's national security and in turn Connecticut's robust defense manufacturing base. It also includes a needed pay raise for our troops. Thousands of Connecticut residents work on programs supporting our military and many more benefit the from economic activity these contributions bring to our state. This funding will help spur Connecticut's economy during these difficult times and secure thousands of jobs at larger employers like Pratt & Whitney and hundreds of smaller suppliers across the First District and the state.

"Throughout the years, the Connecticut delegation has worked hand in glove with suppliers, companies, and educators to bring Connecticut to the forefront of advanced manufacturing. The Delegation, led by Reps. Joe Courtney and Rosa DeLauro, have worked hard to ensure not only the manufacturing base, but the supply chain remain on top. This was recently demonstrated in the Hartford Courant, which cited a Pew Charitable Trusts Study that said: ‘Pentagon contract spending powers Connecticut to No. 1 in US.' This builds on the work of the F-35 Joint Strike fighter caucus which I'm proud to co-chair. This is good news for our supply chain and economy during a time when commercial spending is down. These military contracts will keep these jobs going.

"In addition to the vital funding that directly contributes to our state, this package fights back against the President's ill-conceived border wall, by preventing the use of Defense funds being used for the wall. It also ensures that the President cannot go to war without Congress's authorization by prohibiting funds from being used in contravention of the War Powers Resolution. It specifically prohibits funds for any use of military force in or against Iran and repeals both the 2001 and the 2002 war authorizations. The power to go to war lies with Congress, not the President. These are important provisions to ensure the Executive Branch does not overstep its authority," said Larson.

CT Defense Procurement Priorities as Funded by the House bill:

$9.3 billion for purchase of 91 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and $1.7 billion for continued development

$2.8 billion for advance procurement of B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber

$6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine program

$2.7 billion for 15 KC-46A Tankers

$4 billion for Ohio Replacement

$866 million for 42 UH-60 Blackhawks

$1.05 billion for purchase 9 CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters and $406 million for continued development

$791 million to purchase 5 E-2D ADV Hawkeye and $123 million for advance procurement

$1.1 million for procurement of 19 Combat Search and Rescue Helicopters

$577 million for 5 VH-92 Presidential helicopters

$7 million for research and development of the unmanned K-MAX helicopter