INCLUDES $9.5 MILLION STEARNS SOUGHT FOR AREA DEFENSE PROJECTS

Washington, Nov 8, 2007 - "While our nation is engaged in the War on Terror, we have the responsibility to ensure that our troops received the support they need," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "This measure provides the funding they need to complete their missions in defense of our freedom. In addition, I am very pleased that my fellow House members recognize the importance of the programs for which I sought funding."

The House today approved H.R. 3222, the Defense Appropriations Act, which provides $459.3 billion for defense programs. This is $39.7 billion, or 9%, more than last year's level. Added Stearns, "H.R. 3222 includes $11.6 billion for new armored vehicles to protect our troops from explosive devices, the number one threat to their safety. The measure also provides funding to increase military personnel, the Army by 7,000 and the Marines by 5,000. Finally, it provides a military pay raise of 3.5%."

H.R. 3222 provides $9.504 that Stearns sought for important programs in the Sixth District. Explained Stearns, "This includes $4 million for a Weapons Skills Trainer at Camp Blanding, the headquarters for the Florida National Guard. The Weapons Skills Trainer is a highly realistic and efficient system used to refine shooting skills. There also is $4.504 million for the University of Florida project to develop wireless technologies to track perishables in the supply chain to improve the quality of combat rations. Finally, there is $1 million to help the Department of Defense develop an integrated mechanism to improve human interaction with computers."