“We have worked hard over the past few months to secure funding for these projects,” Ross said, “and I am glad to see that our efforts have resulted in this extra work for our defense contractors at Highland Industrial Park.  President Bush originally requested $561.6 million for the production of 108 missiles, the extra funding means more than 30 additional missiles will be produced, and that means more jobs and economic opportunities for working families in our defense industry.  It also means safety and success for our men and women in uniform.  During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the PAC-3 proved to be an invaluable lifesaver.  There is still much work to be done in the appropriations process, and I will continue working to ensure that defense projects throughout our district receive proper funding.” 

Other Fourth District defense projects were passed at the President’s budget funding levels.  The Senate also passed its version of Defense Appropriations this week, and members of both chambers will next meet in conference committee to agree on final spending amounts.