Wednesday, the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed the House Armed Services Committee by a vote of 57-1.

Included in the annual military appropriations package is the authorization of two Expeditionary Medical Ships, which was secured by U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), that will be constructed by Austal USA in Mobile.

In a statement detailing the funding authorization, Carl asserted that the investments in South Alabama’s shipbuilding industry would serve to have a significant impact for the local economy.

“I’m grateful the House Armed Services Committee has passed the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes two Expeditionary Medical Ships to be built by Austal USA in Mobile,” Carl advised. “I’m proud to have secured authorization for these two vessels in the NDAA because they represent a massive investment in our local economy and our nation’s defense footprint. Austal USA’s continued contributions to our national defense interests help ensure our men and women in uniform have the best tools and equipment they need to protect our country from any and all threats.”

The House Armed Services Committee member hailed the fiscal year 2023 NDAA and said that it would serve to bolster the United States’ defense capabilities in confronting challenges posed by foreign adversaries.

“The Committee passed a good bill that includes a bipartisan boost to our overall defense spending, despite President Biden’s weak budget request that would have left us weak and vulnerable to our enemies,” noted Carl. “Now is not the time to fall behind Russia or China, so I’m proud to see the House Armed Services Committee pass an NDAA that fully meets our nation’s defense needs.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL