WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) voted today for final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013.  The bipartisan measure, which contains a number of key initiatives for Maine, was approved by the Senate in a vote of 98 to 0. 

Senator Snowe said:

“This legislation authorizes vital funding that supports our heroic men and women in uniform, while ensuring they have the resources to accomplish their mission. Indeed, this bill demonstrates the state of Maine continues to play a key role in the security of the United States, by providing funding for Bath Iron Works’ shipbuilding programs and other defense-related activities undertaken every day by Mainers around the state.”

BACKGROUND: The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 provides pay and benefits to the nation’s military personnel, authorizes the purchase of vital equipment, and sets policies necessary for effective oversight and management of the armed forces. 

The legislation includes a number of provisions that will benefit the state of Maine, including authorizations of $669 million for the DDG-1000 Zumwalt destroyer line and $3 billion for the DDG-51 destroyer program, both of which are built at Bath Iron works.  The bill also authorizes the Navy to enter into multiyear procurement contracts for up to 10 additional DDG-51 destroyers. 

The bill includes $56.7 million for 240 Common Remotely Operated Weapons Stations (CROWS II), with components of the system being assembled at Vingtech’s plant in Biddeford. The bill also authorizes more than $400 million for depot maintenance at sites that include Maine Military Authority in Limestone. Finally, the bill will provide funding to procure 29 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. Parts for the F-35 engine are built at Pratt and Whitney’s facility in North Berwick.

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