This bill designates that $18.9 million may be spent over the next five years to continue the chemical weapons disposal project at Pine Bluff Arsenal, as well as $3 million to upgrade the white phosphorus ammunition production line at the Arsenal.  This authorization is a positive step in allowing the both of these projects to move forward, which is critical not only to our national security, but also for the sake of the jobs and economic opportunities that the Arsenal provides to Jefferson County. 

I was also especially pleased to support an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill that will allow for a major increase in production for the PAC-3 missile program.  This amendment means that more missiles will be produced at East Camden, which in turn means jobs and economic opportunities for the Camden area.  Just last week, I was pleased to be a co-host of the 2002 Arkansas Defense Expo in Camden that showcased the defense contractors and related businesses in that area and the great work that they do.

Among other important items included in the Defense authorization are higher pay for our men and women in uniform, general funding for facilities and day-to-day operating expenditures, and various programs to combat terrorism. 

September 11th gave us a strong wake up call that we must not overlook the needs of our military.  This measure provides a meaningful step in continuing the important roles that the Pine Bluff Arsenal and the defense production at East Camden play within our nation’s defense as well as our state’s economy.  I hope my colleagues in the Senate will follow suit and approve this important legislation.