Deluzio and LaLota Spearhead Bipartisan Navy and Marine Corps Caucus in Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Congressmen Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) and Nick LaLota (R-NY-01), both Navy veterans, hosted the official kickoff event for the bipartisan Navy and Marine Corps Caucus in the 119th Congress. The gathering brought together Members of Congress and senior Navy and Marine Corps officials to reinforce their shared commitment to a strong United States Navy and Marine Corps. Photos of the event are available here.

"In the Navy, I learned a simple lesson: Ship, Shipmate, Self. You put the mission first, you put others before yourself," said Congressman Deluzio. "That vision of service is at the heart of our Navy-Marine Corps team. So, I am excited to help launch the bipartisan Congressional Navy and Marine Corps Caucus."

"As an 11-year Navy veteran and a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, I understand the importance of this caucus in bringing together members from both parties to support our Sailors and Marines. We are committed to ensuring they have the necessary resources, policies, and leadership to deter conflicts and, if absolutely necessary, to fight America's adversaries and return home safely," said Congressman LaLota. "We'll continue to address key issues such as readiness, shipbuilding, housing, and healthcare to ensure Congress positions our naval forces for success. The bipartisan support of this caucus sends a powerful message: we are united in our commitment to maintaining the Navy and Marine Corps as the world's most capable fighting force. I am grateful to my colleagues and military leaders for their dedication to this mission."

The event including remarks from the congressional co-chairs, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James Kilby, and Lieutenant General Eric Austin, Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration. Admiral Kilby, a Surface Warfare Officer and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, spoke on the Navy's strategic priorities and the importance of bipartisan support in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of U.S. maritime forces. Lieutenant General Eric Austin, Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, also provided key insights into the current needs and rapid modernization plans of the Marine Corps. Additional congressional attendees included Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Gil Cisneros (D-CA), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Tony Gonzales (R-TX), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA), and John McGuire (R-VA).

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