"The US Navy plays a vital role in the war against terrorism and is critical to America's defense. The 2001 Quadrennial Defense Review, which provided an analysis of the military's long-term needs, indicated that the Navy needs to sustain a fleet of 310 ships to meet our national security requirements. Even with the improved shipbuilding budgets of recent years, we have slipped below that requirement.
"In addition, we can't risk losing the skilled labor infrastructure that we have painstakingly built in our shipyards and across the industrial base, which could happen if we make cuts to vital shipbuilding programs.
"We can't afford to lessen our commitment to shipbuilding. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will continue to advocate for strengthening the Navy through increasing the size of our fleet. In the fiscal year 2005 Senate Appropriations bill, I was successful in my effort to ensure that Bath Iron Works will construct two of the three DDG-51 destroyers scheduled for next year and that construction of the next generation destroyer, the DD(X), will be accelerated.
"The Navy's proposed fiscal year 2006 budget is in its very early stages, will not be made public until early next year, and must clear several hurdles, including the Department of Defense and Congress before any of its recommendations are ratified. As we move through the process, I will continue to strongly support the Navy's destroyer program and will continue to advocate for funding in fiscal year 2006."
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