Congressman Jack Kingston (R/Ga) announces that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the 2007 Defense Appropriations Bill which includes a pay raise for military personnel, increased funding for equipment and new projects in the 1^st District.

“This will bring have a direct effect on Robins Air Force Base, Valdosta, Kings Bay and Savannah,” Congressman Kingston said. “New planes, research and development, and equipment mean jobs in the 1^st District.

“We want to make sure that our military has every advantage on the battlefield: the best planes, weapons, vehicles and armor. “And when they come home, we want their quality of life to be better so we made sure they receive more pay.”

The 2007 Defense Appropriations Bill includes several projects that will have a direct effect on the 1st District. It fully funds procurement efforts for 20 F-22 Raptors, the only 5^th generation fighter operational and capable of ensuring the United States air superiority for the next 40 years.

Over 30-percent of the F-22 Raptor development performed is performed in Marietta, involving over 39 subcontractors, 4200 employees and injecting over $529 million into the state’s economy. Furthermore, the bill provides funding to our Macon Boeing operations by extending the C-17 production line with three additional C-17 aircraft. These aircrafts have provided commanders in the field with global mobility capability and used extensively in the global war on terrorism.

“Last year we were able to establish a program to procure new engines for the JSTARS at Robins Air Force Base,” Congressman Kingston said. “This year, the budget provides funding to completely equip all JSTARS aircraft with new engines that will dramatically improve its operational capability by increasing its speed and decreasing fuel consumption. This means it will have increased flight-time which allows it more time to track insurgents and monitor the battle-space. This is a system that is critical in winning the war on terror.”

The bill also includes startup funding for a research and development project in Valdosta and an advanced radar system for the Georgia Air National Guard which will allow for precision all weather air drop capability. It also provides funding to continue the research and development of Submarine-Launched Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, which will enable a quick strike capability anywhere in the world and capable of being integrated onto any ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) at Kings Bay.

“There are also a number of projects that will enhance training at the Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center,” Congressman Kingston said. “But great attention was given in addressing ongoing combats needs such as providing additional capability to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs); rapid procurement of Body Armor; and provides increased funding for additional Up-armor Humvees.”

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