WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today cast her vote for the FY 2007 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill, citing important work that will be done in Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District.  The conference report agreed upon by House and Senate negotiators includes the nation’s military funding for the coming fiscal year.

 

“Our nation’s security begins and ends with the men and women in uniform serving our country.  This bill is an important piece of our homeland security, and it contains several priorities in making sure our troops have the equipment and benefits they need to do their dangerous jobs safely,” Emerson said.  “I’m proud that some of this important work is completed in Southern Missouri.  I also appreciate the support of our two Missouri Senators, Kit Bond and Jim Talent, in the effort to make this bill as beneficial as possible for the soldiers charged with securing our freedoms.”

 

Below are listed projects contained in the FY 2007 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill which will be undertaken in Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District.

 

Heavy Expanded Mobility Ammunition Trailer (HEMAT)                                 $2.2 million

 

The HEMAT is a rugged ammunition resupply trailer with a payload of 22,000 pounds, which has been used extensively in Army operations throughout the globe.  Ongoing HEMAT production will be accomplished in the West Plains DRS facility. 

 

Detection and Neutralizaiton of Electronically Initiated IED's                      $1.65 million

 

Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's) are an ongoing threat to our soldiers fighting for our freedom overseas.  The University of Missouri-Rolla continues to research methods by which our troops on the ground can neutralize and disarm IED's that might otherwise cause harm to Americans.  Funding for this project could bring anti-IED technology to production by next year. 

 

Brewer Science                                                                                                      $1 million

 
Brewer Science continues to lead Missouri, and the world, in nanotechnology research and development.  Brewer Science will utilize this FY07 funding to develop polymeric materials for 3-D microdevice construction. 

 

Southeast Missouri State University/Kontek                                                 $1.3 million

 

Kontek, based in New Madrid,  has become a national leader in blast-resistant barriers for publicly and privately-held assets.  Working with Southeast Missouri State University, this funding will help Kontek continue the development of these essential homeland defense components for additional applications.   

 

The legislation also includes: