Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, recently confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a heated hearing over the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding capacity. The confrontation, part of a broader discussion on national defense funding, centered on the Pentagon’s apparent failure to provide Congress with a clear and transparent plan for addressing long-standing gaps in submarine production. DeLauro, represented Connecticut, questioned Hegseth on what she described as a troubling shortfall in the Navy’s ability to meet future strategic needs, especially in light of China’s rapidly expanding naval capabilities.
DeLauro’s inquiry focused on the current state of submarine production and the adequacy of the Department of Defense’s plan to bridge the gap between the existing fleet and projected future requirements. She questioned whether current production levels were sufficient and whether there was a concrete strategy to address the shortfall. Hegseth acknowledged the existence of a gap but stated that the Department believed it was actively working to close it. However, DeLauro was not satisfied with this vague response and demanded specific data to substantiate Hegseth’s claims, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the Department’s planning process.
The discussion also highlighted concerns over the financial and operational challenges facing shipbuilders. DeLauro pointed out that the Pentagon had proposed shifting $3.1 billion in funding from the fiscal year 2026 to 2027 and 2028 for the Columbia-class submarine program, a move that she warned could disrupt the industry’s ability to maintain an adequate production rate. She further raised concerns about delays in finalizing key submarine contracts authorized under the December continuing resolution, which were intended to be placed by February 2025 but were not finalized until April 30. This delay, DeLauro argued, underscored the need for a more robust and timely plan from the Department.
Hegseth responded by asserting that top Pentagon officials were in regular communication with shipyards to ensure their needs were being met and that the gap in production capacity was being actively addressed. However, DeLauro remained critical, insisting that the committee required a written plan before the markup of the budget bill. Hegseth promised to provide the committee with detailed information, though DeLauro was clear that she wanted the specifics before the committee’s proceedings.
The U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding capacity has been in decline since the end of the Cold War. With a fleet that once aimed for 600 ships, the Navy now struggles to maintain around 300 operational vessels. This decline in fleet size has raised concerns about the United States’ ability to maintain its naval superiority, particularly in the face of rising competition from nations like China. Shipbuilding yards such as Electric Boat (General Dynamics) and Huntington Ingalls Industries are critical to maintaining the Navy’s submarine fleet, but both face significant challenges in hiring, training, and retaining skilled labor due to a specialized supply chain that has been severely impacted by the ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
DeLauro’s confrontation with Hegseth reflects broader concerns within the congressional oversight community about the Department of Defense’s ability to manage its budget and deliver on its strategic objectives. As the U.S. faces increasing military challenges from rival nations, ensuring a robust and well-funded shipbuilding program remains a critical priority for national security. DeLauro’s push for transparency and accountability underscores the importance of congressional oversight in ensuring that taxpayer-funded defense programs are efficiently managed and aligned with national strategic goals.