SENATOR COLLINS PLEDGES TO FIGHT FOR SENATE POSITION ON DD(X)

Washington, DC – Senator Susan Collins today expressed concern that the House Armed Services Committee passed a defense authorization bill that cuts $1 billion from the DD(X) destroyer program. Further, the House bill directs the Navy to begin design of a new service combat ship. These provisions will likely lead to the cancellation of the DD(X) program altogether.

This action by the House is contrary to the efforts by Senator Collins and the other members of Senate Armed Services Committee which approved Collins' request for fiscal year 2006 defense authorizations for Bath Iron Works. Specifically, the Senate Committee approved $100 million toward a DD(X) to be constructed at BIW, which will provide additional work for the shipyard. The President's budget contained only $50 million for the DD(X) at BIW.

"I will continue to advocate for the strong Senate position which supports the funding for the DD(X) program that I requested. I am greatly disappointed by the House position on this valuable program that is crucial to the nation's defense and the dedicated workers at BIW," Senator Collins said.

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