Senate Gives Final Approval to Defense Appropriations Bill; Includes Senator Collins's Request for DD(X), and Important Maine Defense Projects

SENATE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL; INCLUDES SENATOR COLLINS' REQUEST FOR DD(X), AND IMPORTANT MAINE DEFENSE PROJECTS

Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is pleased to announce that the U.S. Senate today unanimously passed the fiscal year 2007 Defense Appropriations bill that secures full funding of $3.4 billion for the DD(X) program, the amount for which Senator Collins fought to secure. This bill authorizes the simultaneous construction of two DD(X) ships in FY 2007-08, one of which will be built at Bath Iron Works. In addition, the spending bill also includes more than $78 million in defense-related projects for Maine.

"The Defense Appropriations bill is not only good news for our national security, it is also excellent news for the skilled workers at Bath Iron Works. This bill recognizes the importance of the DD(X) program by fully funding the program," said Senator Collins. "This bill strengthens our support for all of those who are serving in the military, both home and overseas. It also recognizes and supports the many Maine companies that are making valuable contributions to the military and our country's defense."

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