Shipbuilding funding slashed to $20.8 billion, raising concerns over industrial stability and national security
A top Republican senator today expressed strong disappointment with the White House’s fiscal year 2026 Navy shipbuilding budget, calling it “deeply” inadequate. The budget request, which totals $20.8 billion, has plummeted from the Biden administration’s FY25 proposed $37 billion—highlighting significant underfunding and shifting priorities amid ongoing debates on defense spending.
A Troubling Shortfall in Navy Funding
Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., opened a hearing on the Navy and Marine Corps’ budget by criticizing the administration’s approach. “This shortfall reflects efforts to game the budget in anticipation of reconciliation funds,” Wicker stated, referring to supplemental funds Congress has committed but which should not replace baseline shipbuilding investments.
He emphasized the impact of the reduced budget, particularly citing the underfunding of the Columbia-class submarine program by approximately $4 billion and the omission of any funding for Virginia-class submarines—funds that both the House and Senate reconciliation bills allocate for a second Virginia-class submarine. The bills assume these funds are meant for a second boat, not a funding cut.
Shipbuilding Cuts Undermine Defense Goals
Navy Secretary John Phelan declined to address the specific decline in shipbuilding funds, instead emphasizing the administration’s overall commitment to “a strong national defense and shipbuilding.” Meanwhile, Wicker noted that the budget excludes an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, a departure from congressional intent. “Failing to include two destroyers destabilizes industry, shows bad faith, and slows our shipbuilding efforts,” Wicker warned.
Additional Funding and Congressional Tensions
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified that, despite budget constraints, approximately $5.9 billion is allocated for “revitalizing our shipbuilding industry,” part of recent Congressional and Pentagon support efforts. Hegseth also claimed that the FY26 budget includes a 14 percent increase for the Columbia and Virginia-class programs—though it remains unclear if this figure references the base budget or reconciliation funds.
Fierce Congressional Oversight and Partisan Disputes
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., pressed Hegseth to clarify the Pentagon’s plan to accelerate submarine production. Frustrated, she demanded detailed explanations on future investments, alleging that previous administration commitments were inadequate. Hegseth agreed to supply further details after the hearing.
Meanwhile, during a tense exchange in the Senate, Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, questioned Navy Secretary Phelan on the service’s adherence to laws and obligations. Phelan admitted he lacked some answers, prompting Sullivan to challenge him directly. The senator then questioned Navy and Marine Corps readiness, with both military leaders acknowledging deficiencies, notably in amphibious fleet preparedness.
Broader Concerns Over Marine Corps and National Guard Deployments
Separately, senators raised issues regarding recent deployments of the California National Guard and Marine battalions to Los Angeles amid protests. The Marine Corps Commandant, Gen. Eric Smith, reassured lawmakers that Marines are trained for crowd control and defending federal personnel—though they lack law enforcement powers for arrests.
The hearing underscored ongoing tensions over naval modernization, budget priorities, and Congressional oversight—highlighting challenges facing the Navy’s shipbuilding and readiness efforts in a changing strategic environment.
