WARWICK, RI - Congressman Jim Langevin will visit the White House tomorrow to watch President Barack Obama sign H.R. 2647, the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act, in the Rose Garden.

“I proudly voted for this legislation, which will continue to support our men and women in uniform,” said Langevin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. “In addition to our funding our national security priorities, I am pleased that the bill also includes federal hate crimes legislation, which will allow law enforcement to more aggressively pursue individuals who commit violent crimes motivated by a person’s religion, disability, or sexual orientation.”

The bill authorizes $3.8 billion in funding for current and advanced procurement for the Virginia class submarines and will help ensure that Rhode Island’s shipbuilding industrial base -- and the nation’s naval dominance -- are secure well into the future.  The Virginia class is the most advanced and flexible submarine in the world.

“This funding is critical to jobs and economic development in our state, and I am proud that Rhode Island will continue to play such a key role in keeping our nation secure,” continued Langevin.