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A bipartisan group of US lawmakers have criticized the Pentagon after proposing to cut Virginia-class submarine procurement in half for fiscal 2025. 

In a strong pushback, representatives from both parties have voiced their concerns over the reduction from two submarines to one. They argue that maintaining a steady production rate is crucial not only for the stability of the shipyard and industrial base but also to meet the Navy’s operational needs.

Rep. Joe Courtney, D-CT, Rob Wittman, R-VA., and 118 other lawmakers outlined their position in a letter addressed to the Pentagon. They said, “Preserving a consistent production schedule is essential for shipyard and industrial base stability, and to meet the Navy’s operational requirements. This is exactly why Congress has strongly supported and defended the consistent two-per-year build rate of Virginia-class attack submarines since 2011.”

They also noted that the industry is currently unable to meet these enhanced demands, averaging about 1.2 Virginia-class vessels per year, significantly below requirements.

This comes as some lawmakers have also raised concerns about the impact this could have to American companies tied to the procurement of these submarines. Congressman Courtney said, “I talked to supply chain companies who are hitting the pause button on claimed investments. This has a real ripple effect when that signal shows instability.”