WASHINGTON — Two Wisconsin-based national programs championed for years by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) are included in the final text of the report from the Senate and House conference on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2019 (FY19), released today.

The conference report calls for three littoral combat ships (LCS), an increase from one in the version the Senate passed earlier this year. The report also includes more funding for the Army’s Humvee replacement, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). Throughout the NDAA process, Sen. Johnson pushed for amendments and met with conferees in order to secure authorization levels of the LCS and JLTV that were consistent with the Trump Administration’s defense strategy and requests. Wisconsin-based manufacturers will play important roles in the construction of both the LCS and the JLTV.

“I’m pleased that the NDAA conferees recognized the key role that the littoral combat ship program and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program play in keeping our nation — and the finest among us — safe,” Sen. Johnson said. “I’m proud that Wisconsin will continue to be a leader in producing the ships and vehicles that are so critical for our nation’s security.”

Authorization of three LCS for FY19 will bring the Navy closer to its target fleet size of 355 ships, and the conference report funding for the Army’s JLTV is more in line with President Trump’s requested levels.

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