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Larson's Defense Priorities Approved By Congress

“Our area is a leader in defense innovation and manufacturing.  These projects leverage our highly skilled work force to build and develop products that will keep this nation safe and protect our troops on and off the battlefield,” said Congressman Larson.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2009

CONTACT: Emily Barocas/ 202-225-7295

LARSON DEFENSE PRIORITIES APPROVED BY CONGRESS

Funding will protect threatened local jobs

Washington, DC – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, announced today that the House of Representatives approved funding for his defense project priorities, worth more than $28 million, that will help retain and create jobs in our area while protecting our homeland and troops abroad.  The projects are part of the Defense Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2010.

“Our area is a leader in defense innovation and manufacturing.  These projects leverage our highly skilled work force to build and develop products that will keep this nation safe and protect our troops on and off the battlefield,” said Congressman Larson.

The legislation included funding to build more than 50 aircraft engines that should protect threatened highly skilled manufacturing jobs at local Pratt and Whitney.  Specifically it includes 40 new C-17 engines, six to eight new F-16 engines and eight new E-8 JSTAR engines – all valued at more than $450 million.

The legislation also includes the following local projects:

  • Regenerative Fuel Cell Back-up Power -- $1.36 million to develop a stationary renewable hydrogen cell energy source that decreases the carbon footprint of our military and creates green jobs in one of our state’s fastest growing sectors.
  • The Advanced Affordable Turbine Engine Program -- $4 million to build the next generation of helicopter engines to sustain jobs in Connecticut’s manufacturing sector, and reduce the cost of maintenance to American taxpayers over the life of the helicopters.
  • The Next Gen Precision Airdrop System -- $2 million to develop technology to improve the precision deliveries and ensure the safety of our troops by reducing their exposure in difficult terrain.
  • Universal Control for Helicopters -- $7.2 million to develop new hardware and controls for the Army’s fleet of helicopters that will enhance the reliability and mission capability of aircraft at the same time it saves American taxpayers up to 30%.
  • Laser Optimization Remote Lighting Systems -- $2 million towards a joint initiative of local universities, community colleges and Connecticut companies to develop the use of lasers as a light source on U.S. Navy ships.  The project will help the Navy save on energy costs and develop new laser technologies for use in other sectors.
  • Unmanned Hybrid Projectiles -- $2.4 million for the University of Hartford and its manufacturing partners in the private and public sector to work with the Army to develop a key unmanned technology that will keep our soldiers out of harm’s way and reduce unnecessary civilian casualties.
  • X-49A Envelope Expansion Mods -- $3.6 million for the testing of a new innovative technology to increase the speed, maneuverability and survivability of military crew beyond that of conventional military helicopters.
  • Foil Bearing Supported UAV Engines -- $800,000 for a project that will utilize foil bearings to increase the life of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’s (UAV) engine.  By correcting the issues of the short life of UAV engines, the project will greatly increase system reliability while decreasing overall costs to American taxpayers.
  • Legacy Aerospace Gear Drive Re-Engineering Initiative -- $2 million for a project that will create jobs for highly skilled workers by developing technology to cost-effectively reengineer and manufacture parts to support our Army’s aging fleet of helicopters.  The modernization of the fleet of legacy helicopters will protect the men and women who defend our nation and ensure the highest vehicle performance for the U.S. Army.
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Resupply -- $3.2 million to increase the reliability of resupply mission and the overall safety of our troops on the ground.  The funding will be used to develop an unmanned helicopter that can deliver supplies to our armed forces in areas complicated by hostile military and environmental conditions.

The Defense Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2010 keeps our commitment to our troops and their families during this time of war, making sure they are cared for on the battlefield and when they return home.  We provide a 3.4% pay raise for our military, and continue the payment of $500 a month for any service-member held under stop-loss.  To keep our men and women in uniform and their families healthy on and off the field we invest more than $29 billion in the Defense Health Program and boost funding to support our military families with programs like child care, job training for spouses, and expanded counseling services.  We also provide our military with the weapons and equipment they need to fight the wars of today and tomorrow.

The legislation will now go on to the Senate for passage and the White House for the President’s signature.

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