The letter was written by Jack Reed, a Democrat, and James Inhofe, a Republican.
Both had been involved the US itself didn’t have sufficient high-tech nuclear submarines for itself.
“Over the past year, we have grown more concerned about the state of the U.S. submarine industrial base as well as its ability to support the desired AUKUS SSN [nuclear sub] end state,” the letter learn.
“We believe current conditions require a sober assessment of the facts to avoid stressing the US submarine industrial base to the breaking point.”
While Inhofe retired from the Senate this week, Reed stays the Chair of the Armed Services Committee.
Speaking in Geelong right this moment, Defence Minister Richard Marles was assured Australia would nonetheless be getting the submarines.
“Last year I met with Senators Reed and Inhofe. They are both very strong supporters of Australia,” he stated.
“I have no doubt that we will be able to deliver this.”
Marles touted the significance of Australia having its personal nuclear-powered submarines.
“There really is a shared sense of mission between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia in seeing Australia acquire this capability,” he stated.
“There’s no doubt the pressure this places on the industrial base of the US.”
The eight nuclear submarines Australia is planning on acquiring will value taxpayers as much as $171 billion, one assume tank has estimated.
At current, the US Navy has 50 quick assault submarines in its fleet, in need of the 66 the navy claims it wants.