Hunter’s amendment says that the Navy has not “adequately
informed Congress to the full extent possible on [LCS] program deficiencies,
including mechanical and structural failures.”
{mosads}But Ribble disagreed, complaining in the letter that the
amendment offered by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) was a “last-minute” addition
to the Seapower subcommittee bill, which was marked up last week.
“In contrast to the language in the amendment, I believe the
Navy has been forthcoming regarding Littoral Combat Ship deficiencies and the
corrective actions taken on behalf of the Navy and its industry partners,”
Ribble wrote.
“I believe the committee has received all pertinent
information relative to the performance of LCS 1,” he said.
Ribble is not a member of the House Armed Services
Committee, so he won’t be able to offer amendments to the bill when it’s marked
up in full committee next week. He could offer amendments when the bill gets to
the House floor, however.
Ribble did not testify at the House Armed Services hearing in
April for members not on the committee to offer their priorities for the bill.