Senate lawmakers caution Navy on shipbuilding

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Senate lawmakers caution Navy on shipbuilding
By Christopher P. Cavas - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Apr 9, 2008 18:43:31 EDT

Lawmakers on Tuesday again took the Navy to task over its shipbuilding management, warning that if the service can’t avoid further delays on key programs such as the Littoral Combat Ship, Congress might step in.

“If we delay anything too long and you can’t make up your minds, it might cause Congress to take action,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services seapower subcommittee. “Do you understand the dangers if we have uncertainty with the procurement process?” he asked.

“Yes,” responded Allison Stiller, the Navy’s top shipbuilding official.

Earlier, Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., subcommittee chairman, noted the many problems experienced by the LCS program in 2007, when two ships were canceled after contract disputes.

“The LCS situation raises significant questions about acquisition management within the Navy,” he said.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/04/defense_navysenate_040908/