Maine lawmakers press Esper, Modly to help industrial base face effects of coronavirus

Lawmakers from Maine are pushing the defense secretary and acting Navy secretary to take steps to help the industrial base weather the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

In a March 19 letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly, the Maine delegation expressed concerns about how the COVID-10 pandemic could affect shipyards like Bath Iron Works. The lawmakers pressed officials to speed up "or advance payments or new contract obligations in order to provide immediate stability to the industrial base."

"First, we ask that you work to mitigate cash flow and other financial burdens that contractors and subcontractors may face during this time of crisis," the lawmakers wrote. "This includes providing clear guidance and relief from contract requirements that are uniquely impacted by COVID-19."

Sens. Susan Collins (R) and Angus King (I), and Reps. Jared Golden (D) and Chellie Pingree (D) signed the letter.

The letter also calls on the Pentagon to explain its "planning and public guidance to ensure a stable industrial base while also ensuring the health and safety of the defense industrial base workforce."