Funding for PNSY Included in Defense Appropriations Bill

In essential next step, the bill passed Committee by a vote of 27-1

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and Subcommittee on Defense, announced that she secured key funding and language for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Department of Defense Appropriations Act.

By a bipartisan vote of 27-1, this measure advanced through the markup of the FY24 Defense appropriations bill—an important step that now allows the bill to be considered by the full Senate.  Committee consideration of legislation is a key part of regular order, which helps our government function efficiently and deliver results for the people of Maine and America.    

“The hardworking men and women at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard play an important role in maintaining our Navy fleet and enhancing our national security,” said Senator Collins.  “I have long advocated for the Navy to address the modernization needs at PNSY, and Committee passage of this legislation is an important step towards building on funding I have previously secured for critical upgrades.  As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advance this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

Bill Highlights:

• Maintains a requirement that the Navy induct no fewer than 100 apprentices at PNSY and each of the other shipyards.

• $1.6 billion to fund 100 percent of ship depot maintenance operations at PNSY.

• $160 million above the President’s budget request to support the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, which supports infrastructure investments at our nation’s public shipyards.

• $470 million for Virginia-class submarine spares and repair parts to assist in efficient submarine maintenance at PNSY.

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