Larson Votes For First District and National Security Priorities
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded the passage of the FY2020 Defense Appropriations bill that was included in a larger appropriations package. It includes funding for 90 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (12 more than the President's Budget request), secures funding to ramp up production of Virginia class submarines, and continues to support our helicopter programs.
"As co-chair of the Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, I am proud to have helped lead the fight to continue to fund the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Not only do these fifth-generation fighter jets protect our men and women overseas, but the manufacturing of the F-35 supports over 7,000 jobs across almost 40 suppliers in the First District and has an economic impact of over $700 million. Defense manufacturing has been at the center of Connecticut's economy for hundreds of years and it will continue to be," said Larson. "I would also like to thank Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-4) for her leadership on the Appropriations Committee in helping securing this critical funding for the state of Connecticut.
Highlights of Connecticut's defense manufacturing priorities:
- $8.7 billion to purchase 90 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (12 more than the President's Budget Request) and full funding for continuous capability development and delivery program (Block to ensure the fighters are able to meet the evolving threats
- $3 billion for advance procurement of B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber
- $4.19 billion for two Virginia class submarines and $4.27 billion in advance procurement funding to support construction of the third Virginia class submarine
- $2.19 billion for 12 KC-46A Tankers
- $1.6 billion for advanced procurement of Ohio Replacement Program
- $1.41 billion for 73 UH-60 Blackhawks
- $794 million for purchase 6 CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters and $517 million for continued development
- $1.07 billion to purchase of 6 E-2D ADV Hawkeye
- $876 million for procurement of 12 Combat Search and Rescue Helicopters
- $647 million for 6 VH-92 Presidential helicopters
- $18.5 million for research and development of the unmanned K-MAX helicopter
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