Rep. Nadler Announces Projects in Defense Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), announced the inclusion of key projects for Manhattan and Brooklyn in the Department of Defense Appropriations bill that was passed by the House on Saturday. The bill includes funding for projects to aid in medical research, to conduct more environmentally friendly defense testing, to enhance service for TRICARE beneficiaries, and reconstruct and dredge Pier 86 to return the Intrepid Museum to her berth. The spending bill must still be reconciled with the Senate before heading to the President for his signature.

The bill includes $4 million for Columbia Medical School’s Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research Program to accelerate the discovery of a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the number one genetic killer of infants and toddlers and a major health problem for many recent veterans. Specifically, the Columbia Center for Neuron Biology and Disease will use this money to continue its focus on SMA as well as ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. The scientists at the Columbia Medical School hope to discover mechanisms of intervening in cell function, providing information relevant to all scientists looking to cure disease.

"SMA is a disease marked by the NIH as a priority for research," said Rep. Nadler. "The Department of Defense and I both take great interest in this project, as its findings will help open doors to helping veterans suffering from paralysis or those who die from combat-related conditions in Iraq."

In order to encourage more environmentally friendly defense testing, Rep. Nadler secured $2 million for Weidlinger Associates to conduct "Air Gun Ship Shock Testing." The Department of Defense requires explosive shock testing for all new Navy ships -- high explosives are detonated in the water in close vicinity to the ship. However, this practice has harmful effects on the surrounding environment. By utilizing air guns, not only does the Navy employ a far more environmentally manner of testing, but it also pays only 1/5 of the original price.

"We should look for ways to protect our country without sacrificing the environment," said Rep. Nadler. "These funds will help the Navy test new ships while having a more environmentally sound approach in doing so."

The bill also includes $2 million for The New School's Parsons Institute of Information Mapping, which is a public-private partnership that aims to prepare students for careers and service in Geographical Information Systems by teaching map production and information modeling. Specifically, these funds will go towards training students in data visualization and information modeling for the Department of Defense Health Program's TRICARE system which supports the world’s largest and most comprehensive patient and medical record data capture and retention system.

"The New School’s project will improve quality, cut costs, and establish better continuity for TRICARE's 9.2 million beneficiaries," said Rep. Nadler. "The project is a classic example of why the government should support innovation, and I am proud to help the New School in its efforts."

Additionally, the bill includes $12.5 million to reconstruct and dredge Pier 86 to return the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to her berth. The museum is a National Historic Landmark that opened in 1982, and funding is needed to dredge the south side of pier 86 before the museum can be returned and reopened. The Museum honors Americans who have served in uniform, and seeks to educate the public. Additionally, the museum attracts over 750,000 visitors annually, including more than 50,000 school children who participate in Intrepid’s educational programs.

"The Intrepid Museum is a classic New York City landmark, and I am pleased the bill includes funding to bring her back to berth," said Rep. Nadler. "Supporting the museum is good economic sense: since its opening in 1982, the Intrepid has generated over one half billion dollars in economic activity."

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