Senator Cochran announces $800M funding for Ingalls-built LPD ship restored in subcommittee

Sen. Thad Cochran’s appropiations subcommittee restores $800M funding for Ingalls-built LPD ship

Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today said the fiscal year 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill fits within budget constraints while fortifying the nation’s long-term security interests, including approval of $800 million for procurement of a 12th LPD class amphibious warship expected to be built at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula.

Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, on Tuesday supported subcommittee approval of the defense spending bill. The measure is scheduled to be considered on Thursday by the full Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Our ongoing challenge is to make sure our military forces are equipped with the defense capabilities that they need to protect the security interests of our country. It think this is a solid bill that reflects a very careful review of requests from the Department of Defense for funding of programs, activities and training that are important to our security,” Cochran said.

Cochran worked with subcommittee chairman Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) to provide $800 million for incremental funding of an LPD class amphibious warship. Similar funding was not included in the House-passed FY2015 Defense Appropriations Bill, but was authorized in defense authorization legislation drafted by the Senate and House Armed Services Committees.

Gulflive
7/15/14