Hoyer Ensures Funds for Prince George's County Remain in Final Defense Bill

Hoyer Ensures Funds for Prince George's County Remain in Final Defense Bill
Secures Funds for Beretta USA Corp in Accokeek, Native American Industrial Distributors, Inc. in Upper Marlboro
July 23, 2004

WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives last evening passed the fiscal year 2005 Defense Appropriations conference report, agreed to by both the House and the Senate, that contains $1.9 million in funding for Beretta USA Corp. and $1 million in funding for Native American Industrial Distributors, Inc. (NAID), both located in Prince George's County. Congressman Steny Hoyer is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and funds for these two projects were added to the bill at his request.

"The 9mm sidearm that many of the Marine Corps servicemen and women carry are approximately 15 years old," said Congressman Hoyer. "This pistol modernization project will greatly increase the safety and effectiveness of these weapons. The $1.9 million in federal funding included in this bill will replace the magazines currently used by the Marine Corps, will improve the operational service life of these M-9 9mm pistols and will improve the safety of these weapons for the servicemen and women using them."

"Additionally, the technology being developed at NAID to clear mines in a humanitarian way will protect our troops and will improve the economy of these dangerous areas by making them habitable again for both businesses and residents.

"The funding included in the defense conference report for these projects demonstrates a recognition by the Congress of the substantial contributions of both Beretta USA Corp. and NAID to our nation's defense and will ensure that both companies continue to provide a growing number of jobs in Prince George's County and strongly support our state's economy," added Hoyer.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT