House-Passed Defense Bill Funds Littoral Combat Ships

The House on Thursday passed the Defense Appropriations Act, which includes funding for three additional Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).

Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) applauded passage of the bill and pointed out that there continues to be widespread, bipartisan opposition to efforts to cut the LCS program. The Independence variant of the LCS is built in Southwest Alabama by Austal USA, which employs over 4,000 people.

Byrne said: “This strong, bipartisan vote makes clear the fact that the House of Representatives supports the Littoral Combat Ship program. The LCS is an important tool for our sailors, and the ship is critical if the Navy is to meet their stated goal of a 308 ship fleet.

“Both of the annual defense bills have now passed the House, and they both reject efforts to cut the LCS program. I cannot understate the significance of this development, and it puts us in a great position heading into negotiations with the Senate.”

Passage of the Defense Appropriations Act follows passage earlier this year of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA authorizes military spending while the appropriations bill provides the actual funding.

The Defense Appropriations Act passed by a strong, bipartisan vote of 282 to 138.