Conn. defense industry may get boost of billions
WASHINGTON — Billions of dollars for submarines, fighter jets and helicopters included in a new defense spending package are expected to buoy Connecticut’s defense manufacturing sector in the coming years.
The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which cleared a first Senate hurdle Wednesday evening, invests billions in Virginia class and Columbia class submarines by New London-based Electric Boat. It is projected that over the next decade the submarine shipbuilding industry must hire at least 18,000 new skilled workers to support the production of these vessels, which are made exclusively in Connecticut and Virginia.
“This NDAA envisions adding thousands of employees including adding new jobs and replacing retirees whose jobs will be retained,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Overall there will be dramatic increases in employment at Electric Boat.”
The legislation also funds 93 F-35 fighter jets — 14 more than the Pentagon requested. Engines for the jets are made by East-Hartford-based Pratt and Whitney.
The bill also includes billions for dozens of new cargo, combat rescue and other helicopters, including the model that is used to transport the president. These helicopters are produced by Stratford-based Sikorsky and its parent company Lockheed Martin.
Defense manufacturers did not stop production during the coronavirus pandemic, but have had to stagger shifts and make other changes to production in order to keep workers safe and remain on schedule.
“The prime contractors in Connecticut — we’re primarily talking about Electric Boat, Pratt and Whitney and Sikorsky — I’m not aware of any of them missing major manufacturing requirements,” said Bob Ross, executive director of the Connecticut Office of Military Affairs. “Their challenge is managing their staff and managing the supply chain.”
These large manufacturers are fed by small components makers in the state that may have been more susceptible to delays from employees unable to work due to illness or child care reasons.
The $740.5 billion NDAA funds the U.S. military, Department of Defense and other national security spending. It provides a 3 percent pay increase for troops and initiatives to support housing, health and other initiatives service members and veterans. It passed the Senate Armed Services Committee with overwhelming bipartisan support. Final passage of the legislation by the House and Senate is not expected until later in 2020.
The Armed Services Committee rejected a Blumenthal amendment to limit presidential powers to use the military to respond to civil unrest, including protests against the death of George Floyd. Blumenthal said he will continue to try to reform the Insurrection Act when the NDAA receives a full Senate vote.
“I’m disappointed more of my Senate Armed Services Committee colleagues don’t agree that the use of military force against Americans at home should demand at least the same Congressional oversight that applies to his use of force against adversaries abroad,” Blumenthal said.