Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro warned congressional appropriators that critical shipbuilding programs, including Columbia and Virginia-class submarines and several aircraft carriers, would face significant delays if lawmakers pass a six-month continuing resolution (CR).
Del Toro, in a letter dated September 12, expressed concern that the prolonged funding delay would force the Navy to operate at last year’s funding levels, with negative consequences extending beyond the CR timeframe. This, he argued, would hinder the Navy’s ability to field a ready force, placing an undue burden on sailors, Marines, civilians, and their families.
A six-month CR, Del Toro stated, would lead to schedule delays or postponed construction cycles for both the Virginia and Columbia-class submarine programs, jeopardizing critical investments in the submarine industrial base and the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom. The John C. Stennis aircraft carrier, undergoing its mid-life overhaul for over five years, would also face further delays in returning to service.
Del Toro outlined a range of other programs impacted by a six-month CR, including nuclear command, control, and communications engineering activities, development and procurement of conventional munitions, and 20 construction projects. Additionally, the Navy would face delays in procuring five ships and various aircraft and munitions programs.
In closing, Del Toro emphasized the Navy’s willingness to support Congress with the information and resources needed to pass the essential legislation.
