House Bill Would Fund the Navy at $314.5 Million and Trim Fleet Cruising

The House Appropriations Committee on Monday reported the annual Navy Department supply bill, which carries $314,552,680 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, the Associated Press reported. That is $5,364,895 less than current funds and $150,970 below the budget’s recommendation.

The bill cuts $1,950,000 from fleet cruising activities but otherwise keeps the Navy about as it is. The committee refused the budget’s proposal to reduce the Marine Corps by 1,200 men and kept it at 18,000 enlisted men, 1,020 commissioned officers and 155 warrant officers. It provides no money to start building the last three of the eight light cruisers authorized in 1924.

Testimony showed all first-line ships in good repair but smaller vessels in need of work, some slowed from 20 knots to as low as 12. The committee said the Navy’s material condition is good.