
The fiscal year 2020 defense appropriations bill adds amphibious vessels to the Trump administration’s request for new Navy ships but took out the requested third attack submarine. The Navy requested $22.2 billion for building 12 new ships: one Ford-class aircraft carrier; three Virginia-class attack submarines (two with the Virginia Payload Module); three Arleigh Burke-class DDG-51 destroyers; one FFG(X) future frigate; two John Lewis-class oilers; and two T-ATS towing, salvage, and rescue ships. However, the final appropriations bill calls for $24…