INCLUDED ARE MAJOR EARMARKED APPROPRIATIONS FOR "LEADERSHIP FOR LEADERS" PROGRAM AT K-STATE, "SECOND SOURCE TIRES" PROJECT IN TOPEKA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District) announced today that Kansas stands to gain $10.8 million in earmarked defense funding under the conference report of the 2008 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill.

Also included in the bill are funds to raise the pay of American troops by 3.5%, to provide $11.6 billion in emergency funding for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, and to add $980 million for the National Guard and Reserve to purchase essential readiness equipment. The legislation also fully funds the $1.9 billion TRICARE shortfall, averting the president's proposed increases in the co-pays that TRICARE charges to soldiers.

"Nothing is more important than the safety of our families and communities," Rep. Boyda said. "With the Iraq war in its fifth year, America's military is stretched very thin. Now more than ever, it is critical that the Department of Defense has the resources it needs to keep America safe."

The bill provides several earmarked appropriations for the Kansas Second District that were requested by Rep. Boyda. "Kansas is very proud of the role we play in defending America," said Rep. Boyda. "These funds are good news for the Kansas economy, and they're good news for America's military readiness."

The appropriations, totaling $10.8 million, will fund the following projects:

• Leadership for Leaders at Command General Staff College and Kansas State University - $500,000
• Great Plains Joint Regional Training Center, Safety Equipment - $1,600,000
• Great Plains Joint Regional Training Center, Radios to Support Joint Operations - $500,000
• Parents as Teachers Heroes at Home - $2,400,000
• M871 Series Trailer Refurbishment Program - $800,000
• Advanced Extended Range Attack Missile - $800,000
• Second Source Tires for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle - $1,200,000
• Castings for Improved Defense Readiness - $2,000,000
• Defense Command Integration Center - $1,000,000

The conference report on the 2008 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill resulted from House / Senate negotiations on earlier appropriations bills passed by both houses. It is expected to reach a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives today.