HASC releases Chairman’s summary of FY 2021 Defense Authorization Act

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Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released a summary of his version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. The House Armed Services Committee will consider the Chairman’s proposal on Wednesday, July 1, beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Following are some significant bullet points taken from the summary:

• Provides funding for the restoration of a second Virginia Class submarine and the required advanced procurement to maintain the two per year build rate.

• Provides funding for the Navy to procure eight battle force ships including one Columbia class fleet ballistic missile submarine; two Virginia-class submarines; two DDG 51 Arleigh Burke destroyers; one guided missile Frigate (FFG); and two T-ATS towing, salvage, and rescue ships.

• Prohibits the retirement of LCS-3 and LCS-4 until all operational tests have been completed.

• Authorizes efficient construction of the first two Columbia class ballistic missile submarines by providing incremental funding within the National Sea Based Deterrence Fund.

• Restricts funds associated with the Secretary of Defense until the 30-year shipbuilding plan is delivered.

• In Fiscal Year 2021, prohibits the retirement of any Navy vessel until the Secretary of Defense provides a Navy force structure assessment.

• Authorizes the procurement of up to four used sealift vessels.

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to provide ship requirements to implement the Commandant’s Planning Guidance.

• Establishes a Tanker Security Fleet to help fill the gap in at sea logistics.

• Provides funding of the 4th National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) for the State Maritime Academies and recommends additional funds for previously authorized ships.

• Continues to provide strict oversight of the Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV).

• Provides funding to convert an EPF to an unmanned surface vessel to help better develop Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for future unmanned surface vessels.

You can read the full summary HERE.