DeLauro Praises Legislation for its Support of our Armed Forces
Press Release
DeLauro Praises Legislation for its Support of our Armed Forces
Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro praised the focus on making critical investments in meeting the needs of our military - not only for equipment and training, but also for the needs of their families and their family's healthcare in the fiscal year 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill. The bill was approved by the full Appropriations Committee and will now be debated by the House, following passage there, the legislation will also need to be voted on by the Senate, approved by both chambers and signed by the President.
"This funding ensures we are providing the men and women of our Armed Forces with the resources, equipment and support they need to do their jobs, as well as making a critical investment today in our military's future," said DeLauro. "Whether it is producing the best helicopters in the world, making the most advanced jet engines or developing medical research that will save lives, Connecticut is a leader in delivering this vital equipment and knowledge to our country's servicemen and women. And that is highlighted by the funding included in this bill."
The legislation provides $636 billion for the Department of Defense - nearly $3.8 billion below the President's request - including $508 billion for base defense accounts and $128.3 billion for Overseas Deployments and Other Activities. Notably, the funding for Overseas Deployments means that the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are funded through the annual appropriations bill, rather than, as previously done, funded through war supplementals.
Of interest, the bill encourages the Defense Department to procure a new fleet of aerial refueling tankers and requires the Air Force to lay out how it will rebid the contract. Last year, the Government Accountability office determined that the contract award was flawed. The resulting rebidding of the contract will put the Boeing Team, which utilizes engine expertise of Pratt and Whitney, back into strong contention for the contract.
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