For Immediate Release

Contact: Chris Connelly

Date: January 8, 2003 [www.house.gov/joanndavis]{.underline} Phone -
202.225.4261

Davis Re-Introduces the National Naval Force Structure Policy Act

*Legislation would put in place parameters to rebuild the Navy*

(Washington, DC) - Citing the urgent need to increase our current naval
force structure, Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis re-introduced legislation
which would put in place specific parameters designed to rebuild our
naval forces. The National Naval Force Structure Policy Act (HR 375)
would require the US Navy to have no fewer than 375 vessels in active
service, including 15 aircraft carrier battle groups and 15 amphibious
ready groups. This legislation was endorsed by several shipbuilding and
labor groups in the 107^th^.

"The National Naval Force Structure Policy Act received strong
bi-partisan support last year, and I look forward to working with my
colleagues in the 108^th^ to move this important legislation forward,"
said Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis, a Member of the House Armed Services
Committee. "We must ensure that our navy is capable of defending our
borders and national interests across the globe. This legislation will
play a role in strengthening the strength our naval force," added Davis.

"Just two years ago, the Navy issued a 'Report on Naval Vessel Force
Structure Requirements' that suggested a force level of 360 ships,
including 15 aircraft carrier battle groups and 14 amphibious ready
groups could substantially reduce security risks," said Davis.
"Interestingly enough, this report was before the terrorist attacks in
September and America's assault on global terrorist threats. Now with
the war on terror, our current force structure is no longer adequate to
address the challenges of the future. This legislation creates the
parameters in which we can build the Navy to meet exiting and future
threats to our homeland," added Davis.

The text of HR 375 states the following: "*It is the policy of the
United States to rebuild as soon as possible the size of the fleet of
the United States Navy to no fewer than 375 vessels in active service,
to include 15 aircraft carrier battle groups and 15 amphibious ready
groups, in order to ensure peace through strength for the United States
throughout the 21^st^ century*."

"This legislation is essential to underscore the naval force structure
requirement of our Nation, and the fact that this national security
requirement is being ignored," said Cynthia Brown, President of the
American Shipbuilding Association, in a letter endorsing HR 375. "For
several years, naval commanders-in-chief have testified that our naval
fleet must number 375 ships comprised of 15 aircraft carrier battle
groups and 15 amphibious ready groups to defend America's security
interests.

These warfighters have repeatedly warned that our naval fleet of just
314 ships is stretched

perilously thin in trying to respond to wars and contingencies around
the globe," added Brown.

Davis noted that the current shipbuilding budget trend leaves the navy
short-funded, and nowhere near the number of ships needed to meet this
level.

"This legislation will create the structural parameters in which
Congress will be responsible to fund to ensure that our Navy is
adequately prepared to defend America, " said Davis. "With this
structure as law, Congress and the White House will have a
responsibility to plan meet this fleet strength," added Davis. The
Constitution calls for the Congress to "provide and maintain a Navy."

"This legislation gives specific numbers and goals to be met - numbers
requested and determined to be necessary from military experts who know
what it takes to protect our homeland," said Davis.

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