Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) stated, This is disappointing news that could not come at a worse time of year for these workers. This is a result of a worst case business forecast based on several factors including the lack of new design work, the sharing of maintenance work with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and most importantly, the continuing constraints on the Navys shipbuilding budget. This is difficult news, but I will continue to work with my colleagues to press the Navy to begin the process for a new submarine design and develop a more robust shipbuilding schedule.Reed requested that the United States Department of Labor provide emergency assistance for laid off Electric Boat workers to help them with applying for unemployment benefits and worker training programs.