Media Monitor: OMB Seeks Shipbuilding Shake-Up, Weapon Sales Delays Raise Ally Concerns

Breaking Defense is reporting that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) aims to significantly change U.S. shipbuilding strategies. It said OMB could utilize $1.9 billion in reconciliation funds to acquire foreign-made ships, with an official indicating the money is for asset procurement.

The outlet also highlighted North Carolina Sen. Ted Budd's concerns for defense firms as midterm elections near.

Separately, Breaking Defense reported that an amendment to eliminate funding for the "Trump-class battleship" failed during the House Armed Services Committee defense bill markup. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., commented that funding for the BBG(X) program would likely exceed projections.

Finally, Breaking Defense is covering delays in U.S. weapon sales to allies. An analyst told the outlet that these delays could lead long-standing partners to question their reliance on the United States for crucial defense articles and services.