Whereas according to the National Defense Strategy, … an increasingly complex global security environment, characterized by overt challenges to the free and open international order and the re-emergence of long-term, strategic competition between nations. These changes require a clear-eyed appraisal of the threats we face, acknowledgement of the changing character of warfare, and a transformation of how the Department conducts business. ; Whereas according to the National Defense Strategy, one defense objective is … ensuring common domains remain open and free ; Whereas the undersea domain is vital to national security and freedom of the seas; Whereas the ability of the United States to protect its national security in the undersea domain is in increasing jeopardy; Whereas former Combatant Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command Harry Harris said before Congress in 2018, Potential adversary submarine activity has tripled from 2008 levels, requiring an increase of U.S. activity to maintain undersea superiority ; Whereas the Navy does not have enough nuclear-powered fast attack submarines (commonly known as SSNs ) to fulfill national security requirements today; Whereas United States Los Angeles class SSNs are being retired in a larger number than the current Virginia class replacement due to budget and build limitations; Whereas former Combatant Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command Harry Harris said before Congress in 2018, This growth of regional submarine fleets, and increasing demand from other Combatant Commands for SSNs, will challenge the Joint Force to address our SSN requirements in the decade ahead. The SSN imbalance will only be aggravated as the global U.S. Navy SSN inventory drops and submarines are retired faster than replacements are constructed. ; Whereas the number of SSNs will continue to decline to a projected minimum of 42 in 2028; Whereas the Navy will not reach the stated inventory SSN requirement of 66 until 2048