SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro issued a letter to Congressional leaders detailing the concerns and impacts of a six-month continuing resolution (CR) on the Navy and Marine Corps yesterday, Sept. 16, 2024.
“This lengthy delay in new funding would force the Department of the Navy (DON) to operate at last year’s funding levels with the negative consequences lasting far beyond the time frame of the CR, impeding our ability to field the force needed to defend our nation while imposing unnecessary stress on our Sailors, Marines, Civilians, and their families,” said Secretary Del Toro.
Secretary Del Toro described how the CR would delay deliveries of the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, in addition to delaying critical investments in the submarine industrial base.
“A six-month CR risks delaying critical investments in the submarine industrial base and the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) partnership,” he wrote.
The half-year CR would also further delay the John C. Stennis (CVN-74), an aircraft carrier that is currently undergoing a mid-life overhaul.
The secretary further wrote there would be delays to the “ongoing and planning Nuclear Command, Control and Communications engineering activities” being done in conjunction with US Strategic Command as well as development and procurement of conventional munitions.
In total, Del Toro said 20 construction projects, five research and development efforts, up to 58 ship maintenance availabilities, as well as procurement of five ships and various aircraft and munitions programs would also be set back under the six-month CR.
“The Department of the Navy stands ready to assist Congress in any way possible to ensure it has the information and resources to pass this essential legislation,” said Secretary Del Toro. “This is the best thing to do to support our nation’s defense.”
Read the full letter here.