WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP)-- The recent announcement of a $585 billion defense policy bill to counter Islamic State militants in Iraq means good news for a Wisconsin-based naval construction company.
The office of U.S. Senator Carl Levin of Michigan says the bi-partisan agreement between the House and Senate includes funding for three littoral combat ships instead of two. Marinette Marine and a Louisiana shipyard will be responsible for the construction of the ships. But it's still unclear which company will receive a contract for two of the three ships.
Littoral combat ships, which are designed to operate in relatively shallow water, are used to find and disable mines, locate quiet diesel submarines and face down fast surface craft.
The House plans to vote on the bill this week, and then it will head to the Senate next week.