Mr. Pence christened the U.S.S. Indiana in a ceremony at the Huntington Ingalls Shipyard in Newport News, Virginia, with an audience of lawmakers, shipyard workers and Navy personnel.
“Just next week, with President Trump’s leadership, and the strong support of the members of Congress gathered here today, Congress will pass a spending bill with long-overdue investments in our military readiness even before this fiscal year ends,” Mr. Pence said. “That’s what leadership looks like.”
Mr. Trump is requesting the $30-billion increase for defense in the spending bill being negotiated in Congress to complete the current fiscal year. Negotiators are expected to finish work on that measure next week, amid reports that lawmakers are considering a $15-billion increase for the Pentagon.