Senator Collins, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services committee, addressed the Senate today in support of the legislation, highlighting important provisions. "It gives me great pleasure to support this legislation that authorized $9.1 billion for essential shipbuilding priorities, and includes a provision to prohibit the use of funds by the Navy to conduct a "one shipyard" acquisition strategy to procure next-generation DD(X) destroyers," said Senator Collins. The bill also includes Senator Collins' provision to increase by $50 million, to $100 million dollars for advance procurement for BIW to perform detailed design work on the DD(X).
Senator Collins commended her Senate colleagues for placing such a high priority on shipbuilding, which is in stark contrast to the House Defense Authorization Bill.
"The recently-passed House bill rescinds $84 million in funds designated for BIW for detailed design work on the Navy's new DD(X) destroyer that I secured as part of the defense bill signed into law last year," said Senator Collins. "The House version also slashes funding for the DD(X) program as proposed in the President's budget last year," she added.
She explained that the House is ignoring the future needs of the Navy and our national security even though the Navy has made clear that the DD(X) is vital to meet its future demands.
In addition, Senator Collins questioned House Member's concerns about the cost of the DD(X) saying, "It is ironic that House members have expressed concern over the increased proposed total cost of the DD(X) while one factor driving up these costs is the inability of shipbuilders to predict the future appropriations for DD(X)—the House has added to this uncertainty about the future of the program."
Senator Collins also pointed out that the Defense Authorization bill includes a provision, which she supported in the Senate Armed Services Committee, to increase the death gratuity payable to survivors of military decedents to $100,000 when the death occurs under combat-related conditions or in designated combat operations or areas.
It also authorizes an increase in the maximum Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance benefit from $250,000 up to $400,000.
"This authorization bill is good for the Navy, good for our men and women in uniform serving around the world, and good for our nation. I am pleased to offer my full support."
The Senate is expected to vote on the Defense Authorization bill next week.
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