House Approves Critical Defense Funding
Funding for Local Projects, Iraq Receive Final Approval

July 29, 2004

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted last week to approve the final version of legislation that will fund the continuing war on terrorism. The Fiscal Year 2005 Department of Defense Appropriations Act Conference Report was approved with broad bipartisan support, 410-12.

“Just three years into the global war on terrorism, we have seen remarkable progress,” Dreier said. “This funding will equip our troops with the benefits and tools they need to continue to combat terrorism abroad. Making this investment in our military will ensure that it remains the best trained and equipped force in the world, and will send a message to those who would harm us that we will do whatever it takes to defend our freedom.”

The Fiscal Year 2004 Defense Appropriations Conference Report, H.R. 4613, provides a total of $416.9 billion in spending authority for the Department of Defense in the coming year, including $25 billion for continuing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, it funds a temporary increase in troop strength as well as an across-the-board 3.5 percent pay raise for uniformed personnel. Of local interest, the bill includes $7 million for the La Verne based ANGELFIRE active protection system. ANGELFIRE represents a technological leap forward in helicopter/vehicle defense against Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and other direct attack weapons, providing soldiers with exceptional protection from munitions fired directly at them.

H.R. 4613 also includes $2.5 million for the City of Hope National Medical Center for continued cancer research. Additionally, the South Coast Air Quality Management District Air Containment Monitoring System will receive $1 million to enhance the technology already used to perform analysis of toxic chemicals in the Southern California Region. The funding will enable the SCAQMD to provide valuable air monitoring assistance to local military bases and first responders when events occur that have significant public air quality impacts, including terrorist events.