Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C.  Yesterday Congressman Sanford Bishop joined his colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee in passing the FY05 Defense Appropriation’s bill, which includes more the $196.87 million for defense projects in the second congressional district.  $132.7 million will go to the Albany Marine Corps Logistics Base for the development and retrofitting of Amphibious Assault Vehicles being used in Iraq and $1.5 million for the replacement of outdated sewer lines on the Albany base. $4 million was appropriated to construct Fort Benning’s Sunshine Road Ammunition Route.

“The FY05 Defense Appropriations bill clearly demonstrates our overall commitment to our men and women in uniform and the global war on terror,” said Congressman Sanford Bishop. “Unfortunately all of the projects that we fought for did not receive funding. For example, we sought $5.7 million for the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, but the Committee was unwilling to approve a museum project. We will not give up this fight and will be working with our senators to secure approval in the Senate bill”

The Defense Appropriations bill is one of thirteen appropriations bills that assign discretionary funding for each of the federal government’s agencies.  After passing the House Appropriations Committee, the Defense Appropriations bill will now move to the House floor for approval by the entire House of Representatives.  After passing the House, it will go to a conference where differences with the Senate version will be reconciled.

“This is a significant investment in the 2nd Congressional District that recognizes the important contribution that our area’s military bases have made and will continue to make to our national defense,” said Congressman Bishop.

Included in the Defense Appropriations bill are:

• $1.5 Million to replace sewer lines at the Albany Marine Corps Logistics Base.
• $132.7 Million for Marine Amphibious Assault Vehicles at the Albany Marine Corps Logistics Base.
• $58.67 Million for a Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser produced by Lockheed Martin in Americus, GA.
• $4 Million for the Ft. Benning Sunshine Road Ammunition Route.

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