Photo credit – Office of Congressman LaLota
In a show of bipartisan cooperation, Representatives Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) and Chris Deluzio (D, PA-17) have joined forces to launch the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus, a congressional group dedicated to strengthening U.S. military readiness, shipbuilding efforts, and service member support.
With global threats rising and America’s adversaries expanding their naval power, this caucus couldn’t come at a more critical time. The U.S. Navy is facing serious shipbuilding delays, maintenance backlogs, and recruitment challenges, while China’s navy is growing at an alarming rate. The Navy and Marine Corps Caucus aims to cut through bureaucratic red tape and ensure that America’s maritime forces remain the strongest globally.
“America’s Navy and Marine Corps are the backbone of our national security,” said LaLota, a former Navy officer. “This caucus will fight to ensure they have the funding, tools, and support they need to keep our nation safe.”
LaLota, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served as an officer and knows firsthand what it takes to keep America’s fleet strong and service members supported. His Democratic co-chair, Chris Deluzio, also served as a naval officer, making this caucus a mission close to home for both leaders.
The formation of this caucus isn’t just political theater—it’s happening at a crucial moment for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
China’s naval fleet is expanding rapidly, and military experts worry that the U.S. is falling behind. In the last decade, China has dramatically outpaced the U.S. in shipbuilding, investing heavily in warships, aircraft carriers, and advanced missile systems.
The U.S. Navy’s budget has ballooned to $255.8 billion for fiscal year 2024. Yet, shipbuilding delays and maintenance issues continue to plague the force. The backlog in ship maintenance alone is causing serious readiness concerns.
Military leaders have warned that the Navy’s “risk-averse” culture is slowing down much-needed modernization efforts and making it harder to compete with rising global threats.
These aren’t just abstract policy concerns—they have real-world consequences. If the U.S. Navy isn’t ready, America’s adversaries will exploit that weakness.
“We can’t afford to wait,” said Deluzio. “Our naval forces must be prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. This caucus is about ensuring we act before it’s too late.”
So, what exactly will the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus focus on?
- Shipbuilding & Modernization: The U.S. Navy needs more ships and needs them fast. The caucus will work to ensure that shipbuilding contracts are fulfilled efficiently and that the fleet remains strong.
- Service Member Support: Beyond equipment, this caucus is committed to supporting Sailors and Marines—ensuring they have access to quality housing, healthcare, and resources for their families.
- Military Readiness & Training: A strong Navy and Marine Corps isn’t just about numbers—it’s about having the most well-trained and well-equipped force in the world. The caucus will push for enhanced training programs and readiness initiatives.
- Fighting Bureaucracy: Military funding gets entangled in Washington red tape too often. The caucus wants to streamline decision-making so the Navy and Marine Corps can get what they need when they need it.
“We’re not here for political games,” LaLota added. “We’re here to make sure America’s naval power remains second to none.”
Top Navy and Marine Corps officials have already supported the caucus, recognizing that congressional advocacy is crucial to strengthening the force.
Admiral James Kilby, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Surface Warfare Officer, emphasized that bipartisan support from Congress is vital to ensuring the Navy’s ability to meet growing challenges.
Lieutenant General Eric Austin, the Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, welcomed the caucus and noted that U.S. Marines are undergoing significant modernization efforts to stay ahead of evolving threats.
A recent House Armed Services Committee hearing revealed serious concerns about the state of the U.S. Navy. President of the Shipbuilders Council of America, Matthew Paxton, testified that the Navy’s risk-averse culture hurts shipbuilding and delays repairs. Military officials warned that the Navy is being disadvantaged by aging vessels, slow shipyard output, and inefficient spending.
With China aggressively expanding its naval power, the U.S. can’t afford delays. The Navy and Marine Corps Caucus plans to hold defense contractors and Pentagon officials accountable to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent effectively on military readiness.
While much of the focus is on shipbuilding and strategy, the caucus also recognizes that supporting service members and their families is just as important.
Too many military families struggle with poor housing conditions, lack of medical resources, and bureaucratic red tape when accessing benefits. This caucus wants to fix that.
“Our Sailors and Marines shouldn’t have to worry about basic needs,” said LaLota. “If they’re willing to put their lives on the line for our country, the least we can do is ensure they have the support they deserve.”
For LaLota and Deluzio, the fight is personal. Both have worn the uniform and understand that America’s naval power isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a matter of national security.
As America faces new and growing threats, the question remains: Will Washington step up and ensure our military is ready?
If the Navy and Marine Corps Caucus has their way, the answer will be a resounding yes.
