WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), and Angus King (I-ME) released the following statement regarding today’s announcement that the U.S. Navy will not pursue plans to repair the USS MIAMI. 

"We are disappointed by the Navy’s decision to discontinue repairs to the USS MIAMI. Inactivating the MIAMI will mean a loss to our nuclear submarine fleet – yet another unfortunate consequence of the across-the-board cuts known as sequestration. We will continue to work together to find a responsible budget solution that replaces sequestration.

"We do recognize that the Navy has determined that the damage to the MIAMI is more severe than originally thought and would require a significant increase in anticipated repair costs.  We are also encouraged that the Chief of Naval Operations has assured us that the inactivation process and other planned maintenance work at PNSY will continue to provide a consistent workload in the long term for the shipyard’s skilled and dedicated workforce.” 

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