Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1815, and thank Chairman Hunter and Ranking Member Skelton for their hard work. This bill supports our men and women serving in the armed forces and makes investments to keep our military strong in the future.

H.R. 1815 is committed to a strong Navy through shipbuilding increases. With cost controls and investments in our industrial base, we can ensure that our future navy will be robust, innovative and effective. I am pleased that the bill directs the Navy to begin design work on a next-generation submarine that will incorporate emerging technologies to guarantee undersea dominance. However, I am concerned by the recommended cuts to DD(X). DD(X) is the cornerstone of our future surface fleet, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this important program.

This bill also contains important language providing civilian employees at the Department of Defense equal rights and protections in public-private competitions. It closes loopholes that have permitted DOD to outsource work without proving that the private sector can do it more cost-effectively. I thank Mr. Hefley for working with me on that language and Chairman Hunter for his commitment to defend those provisions.

The committee report also encourages the President to update the National Security Strategy and incorporate all instruments of national power into a comprehensive approach to security. We need a vision of national security that complements our military might with enhanced soft power capabilities such as communications and diplomacy, economic cooperation and foreign aid, cultural exchanges, and investments in education.

I commend the Chairman, Ranking Member, and my colleagues on a well-balanced bill and urge its adoption. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.