Byrne: House Bill Rejects Cuts to LCS Program

Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, praised the release of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today and highlighted the fact that the bill rejects efforts to cut the LCS program.

The legislation will fund three Littoral Combat Ships for Fiscal Year 2017, rejecting efforts by the Obama Administration to cut the program and only purchase two ships this year. Overall, the Obama Administration has proposed cutting the program from 52 total ships to 40.

The National Defense Authorization Act is a bill passed annual that sets the policy for all of our nation’s military and authorizes spending on defense programs and operations. Last year’s NDAA also funded three Littoral Combat Ships.

Byrne said: “When the news came out that President Obama and Secretary Carter wanted to cut the LCS program, I promised to fight it tooth and nail. Today, those efforts paid off. I applaud Chairman Mac Thornberry and Subcommittee Chairman Randy Forbes for realizing the important role the LCS plays in our Navy’s fleet.

“Today’s news is especially exciting for the hardworking men and women at the Austal shipyard in Mobile. It is a shame the Obama Administration keeps throwing unnecessary and unmerited instability into the industrial base, but I hope the Austal employees know the U.S. Navy and Members of Congress continue to support the vital work they do every day.

“Despite this positive news, we cannot and will not stop fighting for the LCS program. Other challenges may arise, and we will continue to tackle them head on in an effort to ensure our Navy has the resources needed to fulfill their vital mission.”

Click here for more information on the NDAA and the Subcommittee on Seapower and Project Forces legislative text.

Earlier today, Congressman Byrne released a letter he authored with 45 of his colleagues calling on the Armed Services Committee to authorize three Littoral Combat Ships. Click here to read that letter.