Lawmakers are concerned the US isn't taking building the submarine force seriously enough as rival China expands its fleet

Thu, 03/21/2024 - 17:14

The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) arrives at its new homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 27, 2023.
US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Williamson

Some US lawmakers are expressing concerns over limited attack submarine procurement.
They are worried the latest budget plans might impact the industrial base and US efforts in the Pacific.
China plans to expand its navy and could outpace the US's current submarine fleet by 2035.

Some US senators were uneasy on Thursday about low procurement of attack submarines given expectations of US allies and the threats posed by potential adversaries like China.