Senate committee passes bill that includes big bucks for Alabama-built Navy ships

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced full committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2015 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, which contains funding for ships being built by Austal USA at its Alabama manufacturing facility.

The bill will now go to the full Senate for consideration.

“The Department of Defense Appropriations bill funds defense-related programs that play a vital role in providing our nation’s military with the resources that they need to strengthen our national security,” said Shelby. “I am pleased that this bill includes funding to enhance Alabama’s national defense capabilities and continue our state’s commitment to serving our armed forces.”

The bill fully funds three Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), with an additional $80 million over and above the President’s budget request for advanced funding for a fourth ship.

“LCS is extremely important to our Navy’s ability to maneuver in shallow waters and to combat the threats of surface craft, submarines, and mines,” said Shelby. “In addition to the three LCS provided in the President’s budget, the $80 million in additional funding allows for long-lead procurement in order to maintain shipyard capacity and cost savings. Adequate funding for LCS capabilities is essential to ensuring that our naval fleet is the best in the world and that our armed forces receive the equipment they need in order to execute future operations.”

The bill also appropriates $200 million above the president’s budget request for an eleventh Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). Both the Independence-class LCS and JHSV are built at Austal USA in the port of Mobile.

“JHSV is an incredibly flexible vessel that can rapidly and simultaneously transport troops, equipment, and supplies,” said Shelby. “The funding approved by the Committee today provides an additional JHSV, which will support efforts to decrease land-based choke points and maintain unit integrity.”

Sen. Jeff Sessions added that he believes the appropriation is “a strong affirmation of the program in a time of tight budgets.”

“I am very pleased with the work of Senator Shelby and the Senate Appropriations Committee in providing funding for the Littoral Combat Ship,” he said. “This is a great ship and a key part of the Navy’s future. I have advocated for it for many years. We must keep it on-track.”

The Austal plant is located in Alabama’s 1st Congressional District, which is represented by Republican Rep. Bradley Byrne. On Thursday, Byrne applauded the actions of the Senate Appropriations committee and his Alabama colleagues Sen. Shelby.

“Today’s action in the Senate represents one more step in the appropriations process, and a positive development for the LCS program. I appreciate Senator Shelby and the Senate Appropriations Committee for recognizing the value the LCS adds to our Navy’s capabilities.

Byrne previously worked to include language in the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House in May, that authorizes construction of four Littoral Combat Ships. The House Defense Appropriations Act only appropriated funding for two ships. The House and Senate will work out the differences in a joint Conference Committee later this year.”

A final Defense Appropriations Act, along with the other eleven appropriation bills, must be passed by the end of the current fiscal year on September 30.

Austal USA currently employs over 4,000 Alabamians. For more on Austal’s Alabama operation, check out Yellowhammer’s Exchange interview with Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle.