NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Virginia Senator Tim Kaine continues to raise concerns about the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Defense Budget that would only fund one new Virginia-class submarine.
The president's proposed budget request for the next fiscal year provides $4.7 billion for just one of the submarines.
The Virginia-class submarines are built jointly between Newport News Shipbuilding and Electric Boat in Connecticut.
Last year, two Virginia-class submarines were funded, as part of the Navy's projections of funding two per year.
"I’m concerned that the President’s budget proposal dramatically cuts funding for Virginia-class submarines. For years, robust funding for these submarines has strengthened our national security and our shipbuilding industry in Hampton Roads. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I’m going to push hard to reject this budget cut and ensure full funding for two Virginia-class submarines," Kaine said in a statement.
During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing Tuesday, Kaine questioned military leadership about the importance of Virginia-class submarines in countering Russian submarines and was told it is a critical resource.
