Washington, D.C. – Ahead of a classified oversight briefing with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA) released prepared remarks addressing the Navy's persistent delays and cost overruns in its shipbuilding program.
In his statement, Calvert highlighted the importance of submarine programs, specifically mentioning the Columbia-class submarines that will host 70% of the nation's nuclear deterrent and the Virginia-class submarines crucial to countering China. However, he expressed concern over these programs being behind schedule and over budget.
"In a word, these programs are in crisis. Without exception, they are falling behind. Increasingly, they are over budget," Calvert stated. He emphasized his lack of confidence in the Navy's ability to get shipbuilding back on track without intervention.
Calvert criticized Secretary Del Toro's 45-day shipbuilding review for identifying numerous issues but failing to provide clear metrics and accountability. "Frankly, the only reason we’re not discussing Nunn-McCurdy breaches is that the Navy’s system of keeping metrics and reporting facts is murky and flawed at best—misleading at worst," he said.
The chairman called for honesty and transparency from the Navy, pointing out that withheld information on costs and delays undermines effective oversight. "We need plans with metrics to see whether you are actually fixing problems or just putting Band-Aids on the issues," he remarked.
Calvert also addressed a projected $17 billion shortfall in the Virginia-class program over the next six years. He criticized both the Navy and shipbuilders for their handling of this issue, stating that Congress was only notified two weeks ago despite discussions having been ongoing for 18 months.
"Absent this CR, I don’t know when Congress would have been made aware of this massive shortfall," he noted.
Looking ahead to further discussions with shipbuilders, Calvert underscored his commitment to increasing the size of the Navy and improving shipbuilding while expressing distrust in current oversight processes. "My support for Navy shipbuilding is unwavering, but I no longer trust that this committee is being given sufficient information required for meaningful oversight," he said.
He concluded by holding both the Navy and shipbuilders responsible for resolving these issues urgently and improving communication with Congress. "I am accountable to the taxpayers, and Mr. Secretary, you are accountable to me," Calvert asserted.
Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
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