WASHINGTON, DEC. 19, 2005 - "I am pleased that the House understands the value of these four programs in the sixth district that enhance our national security, and I am grateful for the funding I sought for them," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). The House today approved H.R. 2863, the final version of the Defense Appropriations Act, which includes $3.75 million for the programs championed by Stearns.
Explained Stearns, "Florida carries out a number of important defense-related programs that make our troops and our nation more secure. H.R. 2863 provides $1.25 million for advanced research carried out by the University of Florida on broadband electronics for use in electronic surveillance; $1 million for continuing work on Traumatic Brain Injury research conducted by Banyan Biomarkers in cooperation with the University of Florida; $1 million for ballistic missile defense research conducted by Vicus Technologies of Ocala, FL; and $500,000 to enable the Office of Naval Research to develop advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology through INVIVO Corporation in Gainesville for the rapid detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast and prostate tumors."
H.R. 2863 provides $403 billion for the Department of Defense, and includes, an increase of 3.5 percent over last year. It also includes $50 billion for ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as funding for hurricane relief and to prepare for avian flu. "This measure gives our troops the resources they need to complete their missions and to defend our nation," said Stearns. "H.R. 2863 provides for a 3.1 percent pay increase in January for our troops and $1.2 billion for additional body armor and other gear to protect our men and women in the field."
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