Concord, N.H. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, was joined by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies under the Appropriations Committee, to tour Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the Manchester VA Medical Center. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies under the Appropriations Committee, joined the tour of the Shipyard.
“We owe a sacred obligation to the women and men who dedicate their lives to serving our country, whether in uniform or as civilians. In Congress, I am focused on living up to that obligation and delivering for our servicemembers, veterans, and shipyard workers,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “We had a powerful and important conversation at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the Manchester VA Medical Center about the critical role that federal funding plays in their operations and how Congress can and must be a continued partner in their mission.”
“Democrats work nonstop to ensure that vital national security investments and caring for our veterans remain top priorities, and the high-quality work I saw being done at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Manchester VAMC reconfirmed for me that strong, reliable Congressional funding and support is vital to these workers, their communities, and America’s overall strength,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “I joined Representatives Goodlander and Pingree to inspect these facilities today, but they have both long stood with me in the trenches as Democrats fight to ensure veterans services and benefits are protected, and the work of protecting our national security is not impeded.”
“Portsmouth Naval Shipyard represents the best of public service—skilled, dedicated workers whose work strengthens our national security every day,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “During our visit today, my colleagues and I saw firsthand the dedication and expertise that keep this critical facility running. What we heard from workers and leadership was clear: they need stable funding, a reliable workforce pipeline, and a Congress that has their backs. I’m grateful to join Congresswomen Goodlander and Wasserman Schultz in making sure their voices are heard—and their priorities reflected—in the federal budget.”
At Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Goodlander, Wasserman Shultz, Pingree, and Shipyard leadership and workers discussed:
- Addressing the delays that are preventing Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from bringing on the workforce needed to continue its critical work for our national security.
- Strengthening the benefits that these public servants and skilled workers rely on.
- Critical wins Goodlander secured for the shipyard in the House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
At the Manchester VAMC, Goodlander, Wasserman Shultz, and Manchester VAMC leadership and staff discussed:
- Delivering on the promise of bringing a full-service VA Hospital to New Hampshire, which is currently the only state in the continental United States without such a hospital.
- Supporting the federal workers who provide critical care to our veterans.
- Expanding access to supportive services, like transportation equipment, for our veterans under the VA. Goodlander is leading the ASSIST Act, legislation to do just that.
Photos from today’s visit are available here.
Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, a former intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, is a fierce fighter for New Hampshire’s servicemembers, veterans, and their families. She has been an outspoken advocate for bringing a full-service VA Medical Center to New Hampshire and helped introduce legislation and an amendment to the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill to do just that. Goodlander is also a dedicated champion for the workforce at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
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