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Press Release Archive
May 2, 2002
House Armed Service Committee Reports Fiscal Year 2003 Defense Authorization
Bill includes funding for preliminary engineering work on replacing the Navy’s “Prowler” aircraft, advanced procurement for Boeing’s “Goshawk” Trainer and over $6 billion for Boeing F-18 Super Hornets and C-17s
Washington, D.C.- The House Armed Services Committee reported the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003. The bill will be voted on in the full House as early as next week. Rep. Todd Akin, a member of the House Armed Service Committee, voted for the bill.
Provisions in the bill include:
• Increased military pay and benefits for U.S. military personnel
• $7.3 billion for programs to combat terrorism
• $7.8 billion for missile defense research
• the largest increase in military manpower since 1986
The Defense Authorization includes $6.3 billion for Boeing aircraft and munitions.
• 44 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets
• 15 C-17 transports
• T-45 Navy jet trainers
• 120 SLAM-ER missiles built in St. Charles
In addition, two projects, championed by Rep. Akin were included in the bill. Both additions fund future projects that will greatly benefit our military.
• Funding for engineering work on a replacement for the Navy’s aging EA-6B “Prowler,” which performs the critical Navy/Airforce radar-jamming mission. A variant of Boeing’s Super Hornet is the Navy’s preferred replacement. For St. Louis that could mean production of up to 150 additional Super Hornets.
• Funding to begin a three-year procurement contract for Boeing’s T-45 “Goshawk”navy trainer. Akin’s proposal would have Boeing build 15 T-45s per year for three years.
Congressman Akin released the following statement:
“We accomplished a lot last night. The defense bill we drafted on Wednesday will put us us on the right track to repairing our long-neglected military. The bill contains the largest real increase in defense spending since Ronald Reagan was president and the largest increase in military manpower since 1986.
“The programs we have authorized will bolster our defense against terrorism and improve our ability to defend ourselves at home and abroad. These programs are a plus for the armed service, with some being very good for the St. Louis economy.
“I am particularly pleased we were able to fund the radar-jamming variant of the F-18, which could lead to up to three years of high-rate production. I am also pleased we obtained funding for the Navy’s T-45 trainer, a program that is critical for training all our future Navy pilots.”
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