WASHINGTON —The Senate on Tuesday passed an appropriations bill that includes funds for three littoral combat ships (LCS), a Wisconsin-based defense program championed for years by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). Throughout the authorization and appropriations process Sen. Johnson pushed for littoral combat ship funding that will contribute toward the Trump administration’s goal for a 355-ship Navy.

In addition to the littoral combat ship program, the bill funds the Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program, but at a reduced amount from the Department of Defense appropriations bill that passed the Senate earlier this year. The joint light tactical vehicle, a second Wisconsin-based national program, is a Humvee replacement that improves protections for our troops.

“The Senate took an important step today to ensure the men and women of our armed forces have the resources necessary to protect themselves while they effectively carry out the federal government’s top priority – the defense of our country. I’m pleased that Wisconsin manufacturers will continue to play an important role in that mission for years to come with support this bill provides for the littoral combat ship program and the joint light tactical vehicle program.”

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