At the heart of DeLauro’s concerns was the U.S. Navy’s current production capacity versus its future strategic needs. She questioned whether the navy’s ability to build submarines was keeping pace with the growing threat from China’s naval expansion. The U.S. and China have been locked in a maritime arms race for years, with Beijing investing heavily in both its naval fleet and technological capabilities. DeLauro highlighted the significant gap in production, suggesting that the lack of transparency could compromise national security and the country’s competitive edge in the Pacific.
DeLauro is not alone in her criticisms. The issue of shipbuilding capacity has been a recurring point of contention in congressional hearings and defense budget discussions. With the U.S. Navy maintaining only around 300 operational vessels compared to the desired fleet size of 600 during the Cold War, the question of whether the current production levels can meet future military requirements has become a central concern. DeLauro pointed out that the Navy currently operates with 50 attack submarines, significantly below the long-term requirement of 66 boats, as outlined by recent force structure assessments.
Shipbuilding firms like Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries are the primary contractors for nuclear submarines, but both are operating near maximum capacity, facing severe hiring, training, and supply chain challenges. The industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains and caused delays in critical components. The specialized nature of submarine construction requires a highly skilled workforce, and the inability to attract and retain workers has further exacerbated the problem. DeLauro emphasized that without a clear plan and sufficient funding, the U.S. risks falling further behind its adversaries, particularly in a region where maritime dominance is crucial to national security.
Hegseth’s admission that there is a gap in submarine production was met with skepticism from DeLauro, who demanded concrete data to support his claims. He cited a 14% increase in funding for the Columbia-class submarines and a “substantial increase” in the Virginia-class fast-attack submarines. However, DeLauro questioned whether the proposed shift of $3.1 billion in funding from FY2026 to FY2027 and FY2028 would be feasible given the challenges faced by shipbuilders. She also raised concerns about the delay in finalizing the contracts for the Block IV and Block V Virginia-class submarines, which were approved under the previous continuing resolution but were not signed until April 30.
The exchange between DeLauro and Hegseth underscored the larger debate over the U.S. military’s ability to maintain its global dominance. While the administration has acknowledged the need to modernize its fleet, the lack of transparency and concrete plans has raised alarms among lawmakers. DeLauro’s demand for detailed information and a written plan highlights the growing pressure on the Department of Defense to provide greater accountability and clarity on its shipbuilding and modernization efforts. As the U.S. continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, the ability to maintain and expand its naval capabilities will be a key determinant of its strategic position in the coming years.