SPF Subcommittee Hearing: Navy FY27 Budget Request for Seapower and Projection Forces

The U.S. House Armed Services Committee's Sea Power and Projection Forces Subcommittee held a hearing on May 20, 2026, to review the Navy's fiscal year 2027 budget request. The discussion focused heavily on shipbuilding plans, including the 30-year shipbuilding plan and the future wars defense program, emphasizing the need to reverse fleet divestment and maintain maritime dominance. Key procurement topics included multi-year contracts for amphibious ships, submarines, destroyers, and aircraft carriers, as well as investments in unmanned vessels and munitions. Concerns were raised about industrial base capacity, shipyard readiness, and the challenges of introducing a new nuclear-powered battleship amid limited dry dock and reactor production capabilities. The committee also addressed the importance of acquisition reform to accelerate delivery and maintain a stable demand signal for the defense industrial base. Witnesses highlighted efforts to expand shipbuilding capacity, improve maintenance timelines, and leverage innovative contracting strategies to meet ambitious procurement goals. The hearing underscored the critical need for sustained funding and policy support to modernize and expand the Navy and Marine Corps fleets in response to evolving global threats.