U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Funding Three Littoral Combat Ships

Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today made the following statement regarding the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee funding three Littoral Combat Ships plus including $80 million in advanced procurement for a fourth ship for FY15. The full Senate Appropriations Committee will markup the FY15 Department of Defense Appropriations bill Thursday morning.

“Wisconsin is home to one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, including a strong shipbuilding industry with a history of success providing ships for our nation’s defense. I will continue to fight for this defense program because it employs thousands of hardworking Wisconsinites and helps meet our national security needs. That’s why I worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, both supporters and even the ship’s strongest critics, to guarantee the future of the LCS because I believe in this program, the product that Wisconsin workers are helping to manufacture and the critical role the LCS will continue to play in America’s Navy. I’m pleased that the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee has fully funded three ships and included an additional $80 million in advanced procurement for a fourth LCS, ensuring we avoid a disruption in our workforce and strengthen both our Wisconsin economy and national security.”