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In the News
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Press Release Archive
September 24, 2003
Akin Says Final Defense Bill Offers Good News for St. Louis
Boeing's electronic attack Super Hornet makes gains
Washington, D.C.- Congressman Todd Akin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said the Defense Appropriations Conference Report (H.R. 2658), which he supported today when it passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, is "an important step forward in making America more secure and in providing vital resources for St. Louis area defense-related companies."
The legislation, which provides $368.2 billion in spending authority for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2004, includes funding for further development of Boeing's EA-18G, a project long championed by Congressman Akin. The EA-18G is a Super Hornet Version of a radar jamming aircraft that will replace the Navy's aging fleet of "Prowlers" that are now used to jam enemy radar and electronically counter attempts to attack U.S. aircraft during combat.
"This important funding measure ensures that our fighting forces have what they need today, and also looks to the future and the development of next generation capabilities," said Akin. "I am particularly pleased to see that Boeing's radar jamming EA-18G will be receiving further funding and moves even closer to full production. As a member of the House Armed Services the electronic fighter has long been one of my priorities, not only because it is constructed in St. Louis but because it is essential to our military security."
H.R. 2658 also provides funding for other noteworthy St. Louis region projects, including:
- $2.9 billion for 42 of Boeing's F/A-18EF fighter aircraft;
- $2.1 billion for 1 of Boeing's C-17 aircraft;
- $724 million for Navy and Air Force Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), which are produced a Boeing's St. Charles facility; and
- $1.7 billion for Future Combat Systems.
"St. Louis is at the forefront of America's defense industry, and this funding will not only strengthen our regional economy but will also strengthen America,"
Akin said."
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