Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY-18) secured a preliminary $1.5 million in funding for New York National Guard 101^st Signal Battalion – based out of Yonkers - as part of the FY 2011 Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriationsbill, for the purchase of a mobile Satellite Communications Terminal.

Rep. Engel said, “I am very pleased to join with Congresswoman Lowey to help the Yonkers’ National Guard unit move forward with this important project.  In addition to assisting our regular military force, it is very important to have our National Guard trained and equipped for any emergency which could arise.  As we have witnessed on 9-11, or with the various natural disasters throughout the country in recent years, a strong National Guard can make the difference between life and death.  I look forward to working with this unit on this and other projects in the future.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said, “The National Guard plays a critical role in responding to natural disasters and other domestic emergencies.  This federal investment will pay dividends in the ability of our National Guard to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies, keeping our community safe.  It will also improve the Battalion’s combat capabilities in the event they are deployed overseas. I will work with Congressman Engel and the Senate to ensure the National Guard unit in Yonkers benefits from this investment.”

This action was a preliminary step in a long process. The bill will now be considered by the full House Appropriations Committee, and then the full House. The Senate is also working on their version of the bill.

Rep. Engel added, “While this is only the beginning of the Appropriations process, I feel very good that funding for this important program was included in this measure. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure this funding is preserved as the bill moves through the legislative process.”

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