Washington D.C.: In a bold bipartisan move, U.S. lawmakers have voiced strong support for the AUKUS submarine pact with Australia, urging the Pentagon not to waver on its commitments under the trilateral agreement. In a formal letter sent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party led by Republican Rep. John Moolenaar and Democrat Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi emphasized the strategic necessity of moving forward with the plan to equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines.
The AUKUS agreement, formed between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia in 2023, is designed to enhance collective defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in response to China’s expanding maritime assertiveness. A key element of the pact involves the U.S. and U.K. helping Australia build and operate a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, with the first vessels expected in the early 2030s. The project, however, is currently undergoing a review by the Pentagon under the new U.S. administration to determine whether it aligns with America’s national security and industrial priorities.
Lawmakers highlighted that Australia has already committed over $3 billion to the submarine program, reflecting both financial seriousness and long-term strategic intent. "Abandoning or slowing this initiative would not only undermine allied trust but could embolden adversarial states in the Indo-Pacific," the letter warned. They further noted that the AUKUS framework serves as a cornerstone for deterring Chinese military expansion and ensuring a balance of power in the region.
Amid growing speculation about the review, Australian officials have expressed confidence that the concerns raised by the Pentagon will be resolved. Kevin Rudd, Australia’s Ambassador to the U.S., underscored the historical resilience of the bilateral alliance, noting it has remained steadfast through changes in leadership on both sides. Rudd reaffirmed Canberra’s commitment to the program, adding that technical and strategic discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense are ongoing and productive.
Despite calls from some quarters in the U.S. defense establishment to prioritize domestic submarine production, Congress has shown strong bipartisan unity in favor of fulfilling the AUKUS promise. Many legislators argue that the U.S. can balance its own naval expansion while helping a trusted ally enhance its capabilities. Congressman Joe Courtney, a long-time advocate of submarine industrial expansion, asserted that the collaboration would not weaken U.S. readiness but instead strengthen Western deterrence.
Critics of the review caution that the U.S. Navy is already behind schedule on producing Virginia-class submarines. The fear is that diverting manufacturing capacity for Australia could delay American defense timelines. Yet, supporters believe that expanded production, job creation, and stronger inter-allied cooperation will ultimately boost both industrial output and strategic reach.
The timing of the review is also politically significant. With global attention on rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, any hesitancy in U.S. commitment could be perceived as a weakening of Western resolve. As one senior Congressional aide noted, “Backing away from AUKUS now would signal to China that the West is divided and indecisive.”
The Pentagon's internal assessment, led by Undersecretary Elbridge Colby, is expected to conclude by the end of July. Until then, Australia and the UK are watching closely for signs of clarity and reassurance. Meanwhile, the firm position of U.S. lawmakers suggests that Congressional backing for AUKUS remains unwavering, regardless of who occupies the White House.
In the words of Rep. Krishnamoorthi: “The AUKUS submarine program is not just a procurement project it’s a statement of shared values, long-term strategic partnership, and our collective stand for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”