Rep. Courtney Stands in Strong Support of Supplemental for Indo-Pacific

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) spoke on the House Floor in support of H.R. 8036, Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024-one of three appropriation bills the House is voting on today to support our allies and democracies abroad. Among other things, H.R. 8036 will invest in the U.S. submarine industrial base to help the U.S. Navy meet its own fleet goals and uphold the United States' commitment to AUKUS.

To view and download Rep. Courtney's floor speech, click here.

Transcript:

"Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in strong support of the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Act. This bill makes critical investments to integrated deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and fulfills the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's unfunded priorities, and uplifts the U.S. submarine industrial base in support of the trilateral AUKUS security agreement.

"Its $3.3 billion investment in submarines will both expand production capacity of the Virginia and Columbia class programs and provide Navy with resources to get more attack submarines out of maintenance delays and into the fleet.

"This supplemental was crafted last fall in tandem with House-Senate passage of AUKUS authorities. It will turbocharge AUKUS with real capital and match the Australian government's commitment to invest $3 billion into the US industrial base. This supplemental, along with continued procurement of two Virginia subs per year, will ensure that our Navy has sufficient inventory to sell three subs to Australia in the early 2030s as the agreement calls for.

"I want to salute Mr. Cole and Ms. DeLauro for their steadfast leadership bringing this measure to the floor so that our nation will renew its role that Franklin Roosevelt described as the arsenal of democracy. I urge passage and yield back."

Background on H.R. 8036:

The bill totals $8.12 billion to continue efforts to address the deteriorating security environment in the Indo-Pacific region.

• $3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure, including investments in dry dock construction.
• $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan and other key allies and security partners in the Indo-Pacific confronting Chinese aggression.
• $1.9 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners.
• $542 million to strengthen U.S. military capabilities in the region.
• $133 million to enhance the production and development of artillery and critical munitions.
• Provides additional flexibility for Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees.

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