(Washington, D.C.)–Senator Jack Reed, Congressman Jim Langevin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and Congressman Kennedy, today announced that the House has agreed to provide multi-year procurement authority to the United States Navy to purchase five Virginia-class submarines over five years.  Langevin sought such authority in an effort to bolster America's military fleet, provide substantial savings to taxpayers and strengthen the local economy through job creation and retention.
 
The multi-year procurement has been a top priority for Reed, Langevin and Kennedy as they believe that submarines will play a larger role in the future defense and national security of the nation throughout the 21st century.  The Senator and Congressmen also worked closely with Congressman Rob Simmons (R-CT) to achieve this multi-year procurement.  Thanks to the bi-partisan effort, this is the first time in our history that multi-year for submarines has been approved.
 
According to House leaders involved in negotiations on the House-Senate Conference Report for the fiscal year 2004 Defense Appropriations bill, the multi-year procurement language will be included in the final version of the legislation, which will be considered sometime next week by both chambers. This multi-year authority guarantees continued growth and employment for Electric Boat.
 
 Reed, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee stated, "This is important news for Rhode Island's economy. Electric Boat's shipbuilding yard could be the busiest it has been in years." Reed added, "Today's attack submarines are unseen, undetected and powerfully lethal.  They are one of the most formidable weapons in the arsenal of democracy and will ensure the success of our sailors in dangerous waters."

           "I am pleased with several aspects of this agreement that demonstrate Congress's commitment to a strong and well-prepared military," said Langevin.  "The authorization of multi-year procurement for the Virginia-class submarine is critical to the economic health of our state. It will encourage more rapid and cost-effective production of this important system and give the Navy new capabilities to respond to future threats.”

“The potential for multi year procurement in the Naval Submarine arena will greatly benefit not only many Rhode Island defense interests, but all those involved in the equipping of the finest Navy in the world, by allowing for bulk purchasing and leading to increased efficiency,” said Congressman Patrick Kennedy.  “I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation and those on the Appropriations Committee to make known the importance and benefits of this multi year procurement.”
               
          "Thanks to the multi-year authority, Rhode Islanders working at Electric Boat will no longer worry about losing their jobs due to fluctuations in the Navy's demands for state of the art submarines," Langevin continued.  "Now, workers will know that five years of sustained work lie ahead.  In addition, the multi-year authority provides substantial savings to taxpayers through this 'bulk purchase' contract."

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