At a recent hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the Department of Defense, U.S. Senator Susan Collins questioned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about the proposed shipbuilding budget. The hearing addressed concerns regarding China’s growing naval power and the U.S. Navy’s current fleet size.
Senator Collins expressed concern over the proposed funding for only three additional ships: a Columbia-class submarine, a Virginia-class submarine, and an ocean surveillance ship. She highlighted that no funding was requested in the base budget for DDG-51s, which are crucial surface combatants for the Navy. Instead, the Administration plans to use reconciliation to fund additional ships.
Collins stated, “Reconciliation, Mr. Secretary, was meant to provide one-time supplemental funds to augment the defense budget, not to supplant the investments that should be in the base budget.” She asked Secretary Hegseth to explain why these platforms were excluded from annual appropriations.
Secretary Hegseth responded by emphasizing that forming budgets involves complexities and coordination with various stakeholders. He noted that despite differences between base bills and reconciliation funds, they view it as one investment for FY26 with a historic increase in shipbuilding investment.
Collins also raised concerns about hiring delays at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) despite an exemption from a hiring freeze secured by her and Senator Shaheen. These delays affect critical roles such as mechanics and security personnel.
Secretary Hegseth acknowledged this issue and promised to investigate further, stating that such delays should not occur given their exemption status.
