LCS dual-buy bill introduced

The Navy's plan to award shallow-water warship contracts to shipyards in both Mobile, Ala., and Wisconsin cleared a hurdle when U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., introduced legislation to approve the purchases. Analysts said the bill, sent to the House Armed Services Committee, gives the dual-buy plan a clearer path to congressional approval before the Navy-imposed Dec. 14 deadline. If Congress signs off, Austal USA in Mobile and a team led by Lockheed Martin each will get contracts to build 10 littoral combat ships, estimated to be worth about $5 billion each. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 12/04/10)