Kilmer Secures Critical Support for Shipyard Workers, Defense Communities

The Navy is the largest employer in the district I represent - and our region has seen firsthand the vital role that our nation's public shipyards play in supporting our National security interests. So I'm really grateful that this bill includes funding for the Naval Facility, Sustainment Modernization and restoration program to address the seismic and fire protection deficiencies at our public shipyards. We know that more will be needed in the years ahead to modernize our shipyards, but in addition to investing in these facilities, we also need to invest in the men and women who support our nation's shipyards. Unfortunately the current Administration has consistently worked to undermine the collective bargaining rights of our hardworking federal employees, and that's why I'm proud that this bill includes a provision I champion to directly combat anti worker executive orders that have made it harder for federal employees to negotiate the pay benefits and working conditions that they have earned and that they deserve. Finally, we've got to support the communities that support our military. The chairman's Mark includes 50 million dollars for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which funds projects to address commuter workforce issues, schools, and other local infrastructure that supports military installations. These investments will help to improve the quality of life for our service members, their families and the civilian workforce that are the life blood of our defense communities. Additionally, supporting military communities means ensuring that the Navy is a good neighbor and I'm proud that this bill continues to advance efforts to mitigate military jet noise, funding jet noise reduction technology and providing 50 million dollars for a new Noise Mitigation Community Partnership program, which provide direct grants to support infrastructure upgrades for schools, hospitals and homes to mitigate impacts of excessive aircraft noise. These investments are critical to ensuring that the Navy can support critical training requirements for our aircrew, while also remaining a good neighbor to the folks living in surrounding communities and I'm proud of these priorities are reflecting the bill and I urge my colleagues to support it. Thank you Madam chair I yield back.