WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S House of Representatives Armed Services Committee passed the latest version of the National Defense Authorization Act that will fund three more Alabama-built Littoral Combat Ships. The bill passed the committee by a vote of 60-1.

The Littoral Combat Ship is a class of vessels used in operations close to shore (the littoral zone). They have been compared to Corvettes, built to swiftly move in fights with other vessels, as well as to hunt and destroy enemy submarines and mines. Most of the ships are constructed at a specialized production facility located in Mobile.

Last week, the U.S. Navy ordered more LCS from Austal USA’s Mobile manufacturing facility last week, a move that shows the military’s confidence in the top-notch vessels. Austal will deliver to LCS to the Navy this year after delivering two last year on time and under budget.

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“This year’s National Defense Authorization Act helps rebuild our nation’s military, boosts shipbuilding in an effort to grow our fleet, and ensures our military men and women have the resources necessary to defend our country.” Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL1) said after he voted for the bill. “Once again, we were able to secure authorization for the construction of three more Littoral Combat Ships, which are built right here in Southwest Alabama. These ships continue to excel in the fleet, and that is a testament to the over 4,000 men and women who work at the Mobile shipyard.”

In addition to the funding of additional LCS, the NDAA would pay for a 2.4 percent pay raise for U.S. troops,  an increase in the the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard, and improvements to military facilities with a focus on restoration.

The bill is expected to come before the full House sometime in July.