Heinrich Protects National Laboratories and Amends Defense Authorization Bill to Help Veterans and Spur Economic Growth in Central New Mexico

Press Release

U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1), serving his second term on the House Armed Services Committee, announced that H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, passed the House today by a vote of 322 to 96.

The annual National Defense Authorization Act authorizes funding for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and national laboratories such as Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Despite efforts by some in Congress to make drastic cuts to the labs, H.R. 1540 fully funds the $11.78billion requestin support of its modernization plans and stockpile stewardship and nonproliferation.

"This is an important step in my effort to ensure the vital national security missions of our laboratories in New Mexico remain fully funded," said Rep. Heinrich.

Since January 2011,Rep. Heinrich led the effort to bring attention to the Republican's budget that would have had dire consequences for New Mexico's labs.

Rep. Martin Heinrich introduced five amendments that passed in committeewith bipartisansupport. "These provisions are investments in central New Mexico that will create jobs and keep America safe," saidRep. Heinrich.

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