Congress Poised to Approve Defense Appropriations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congress will approve funding for the Department of Defense this week. Idaho Senator Larry Craig and Congressman Mike Simpson are members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, respectively, which wrote the bill.

Craig said, "Providing this funding improves our military's technology capabilities, helping them better protect us at home and abroad. The legislation recognizes that our armed services have needs now, but also need to prepare for the future through research and development - much of which will be done in Idaho."

Simpson said, "The projects included in this bill are a testament to the vital contribution Idahoans make to the security of our nation," said Congressman Simpson. "We can all be proud of the work that's being conducted across our state to better equip our troops, bring innovative new technologies to the battlefield, and expand Idaho's high-tech industry."

Included in the bill are several projects important to Idaho:

Medical Modeling through Synthetic Digital Genes ($1.1 million)
Systematic Approach to Radiation Hardened Electronics (SHARE) ($2.8 million)
Advanced Microwave Ferrite Research Phase IV at UI ($1 million)
3-D Technology for Advanced Sensor Systems at BSU ($2.2 million)
Quiet High Speed Propulsion at Bayview ($4.4 million)
Advanced Materials Deposition for Semiconductor Nanostructures Using Supercritical Fluids at UI ($1 million)
Manufacturing Improvements for Cryogenic Radiation Hardened Read Out Integrated Circuits ($2.2 million)
MicroVac Vacuum Sampling Pathogen Collection and Concentration ($2.7 million)
Integrated Passive Microelectronic Components at UI ($1 million)
Small Accelerators and Detection Systems for Defense Applications at ISU ($2 million)
Research on Molecular Approach to Hazardous Materials Decontamination ($1 million)
Advanced Receive-While-Transmit Sonar for Unmanned Undersea Vehicles ($1 million)
Electronic Warfare Modeling and Simulation Center ($2.2 million)
Evaluating ELF Signals in Maritime Environments at UI ($1 million)
Enabling Ubiquitous Computing Through Ultra Low Power Electronics at UI ($1 million)
United States Air Force Joint Threat Emitter ($5.5 million)
Cyber Threat Validation Center at Idaho National Lab ($1.3 million)

The bill is expected to be approved by the House and Senate and go to the President for his signature by the end of the week.

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