IN PORTSMOUTH, SHAHEEN SHOWCASES SHIPYARD, AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO WORKERS

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) this morning joined officials from New Hampshire and Maine in showcasing the vital contributions of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to the New England economy and national security during a visit by Vice President Joe Biden. Shaheen, a longtime and vocal advocate for the shipyard and its workers, used the opportunity to reiterate her strong opposition to the administration’s base closure recommendations and highlight the important ongoing work at the base.
 
“The shipyard is an indispensable national security asset and economic engine that’s home to some of the most talented and dedicated workers in the country,” Shaheen said. “I think after today's visit, it was quite evident that there is exceptional work being done at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and that we should do everything we can to protect our shipyard and its workers."

"I will continue to use my position as chair of the Senate Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee to block the administration's base closure recommendations because I know that's what's best for our national security, our shipyard workers and our economy."

As Chair of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Shaheen, along with the subcommittee’s ranking member Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), has jurisdiction over Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) proposals in addition to military readiness responsibilities including training, logistics, military construction, and maintenance. Shaheen has repeatedly blocked the administration’s BRAC requests and has worked closely with bipartisan New Hampshire and Maine lawmakers to support the continued procurement of two new Virginia-class submarines in addition to new military construction at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.