Committee Approves Defense Bill Blocking LCS Cuts

After more than 16 hours of debate, the House Armed Services Committee approved the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) early Thursday morning. Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), who serves on the committee, praised the critical national security legislation and highlighted why the NDAA is important to Southwest Alabama.

The NDAA passed the Armed Services Committee with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 60 to 2.

The bill rejects efforts by the Obama Administration to cut the Mobile-built Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. The President’s budget proposed cutting the LCS program from 52 total ships to 40 and proposed going from two suppliers to one. The proposal also only requested funding for two ships this year.

Instead, the NDAA authorizes funding for three Littoral Combat Ships and rejects cuts to the LCS program. The bill also includes an amendment from Congressman Byrne that would prevent any funds from being used to “select only a single contractor for the construction of the Littoral Combat Ship or any successor frigate class ship program” until the Secretary of the Navy certifies a number of requirements to Congress.

Byrne said: “The National Defense Authorization Act is a critical piece of legislation that helps ensure our military men and women have the tools and resources they need to keep us safe. We face such a wide range of threats in the world today, and this NDAA sets priorities, includes critical reforms, and boosts military readiness to assist our military as they take the fight to our adversaries.

“I am especially pleased the bill rejects efforts to cut the LCS program, which is important to the Navy and our economy in Southwest Alabama. The resounding vote shows that my colleagues on the Committee – both Republicans and Democrats – agree that the LCS program is critical to the U.S. Navy and should continue.

“The bill will now move to the full House for consideration next month, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure this critical legislation passes.”

Click here for more information on the bill.