During a recent Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, significant concerns were raised regarding the Navy's fiscal year 2026 budget request, particularly focusing on the impact of federal hiring policies on naval shipyards and healthcare access for service members.

Senator from Washington highlighted the critical role of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, the only facility on the West Coast capable of dry docking Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. The shipyard is currently undergoing renovations to address seismic vulnerabilities and prepare for the new Ford-class aircraft carriers. However, the senator expressed frustration over federal policies that are reportedly discouraging shipbuilders from staying in their jobs and creating barriers to hiring new civilian workers. Nearly 2,000 workers have taken deferred resignations amid fears of mass layoffs, exacerbated by the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) slow approval process for new hires.

The senator questioned the relevance of a new requirement for civilian applicants to articulate their support for the president's executive orders as part of the hiring process, arguing that such political tests are unnecessary for positions like welders. The Secretary of the Navy acknowledged the concerns but indicated that they are awaiting further guidance from the Department of Defense regarding hiring practices.

In addition to workforce issues, the senator addressed the healthcare challenges faced by service members and their families at Naval Base Kitsap, the third-largest Navy base in the U.S. Since 2022, the Defense Health Agency has mandated cuts to hospital staff and services, severely limiting access to medical care. Currently, the internal medicine department at Naval Hospital Bremerton has no physicians available for over 2,000 patients, forcing many to travel over an hour for care at another facility.

These discussions underscore the pressing need for effective hiring practices and adequate healthcare services for military personnel and their families, highlighting how federal decisions directly impact local communities and the well-being of those who serve. As the Navy prepares its budget, the outcomes of these discussions will be crucial in addressing the needs of service members and ensuring the operational readiness of vital naval facilities.