McCarthy and McKeon Applaud Edwards Funding in Defense Funding Bill Signed into Law Today
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Kevin McCarthy and Howard “Buck” McKeon are pleased to announce that President Bush signed this year’s Department of Defense funding bill into law. The funding bill included $3,520,000 for national security projects at Edwards Air Force Base and Air Force Research Laboratory Propulsion Directorate:
$1,200,000 for Edwards Rocket Lab’s Hydrocarbon Boost Technology Demonstrator to help develop new liquid booster technology.
$720,000 for Edwards Air Force Base’s Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) Quick Connect Panel and Switchgear to increase redundancies for flight test monitoring.
$1,600,000 for the Advanced Vehicle and Propulsion Center to continue engineering tool upgrades.
"Investing in research and testing at Edwards is a key component of our national security,” said Congressman McCarthy. “I was glad to work with Buck in securing these resources because we approached this bill with a shared commitment of ensuring our local bases receive the support and resources they need to develop cutting-edge technology that will enhance America’s defense capabilities. This research not only looks to our country’s present defense needs, but also to the future of our national defense.”
“The Department of Defense appropriations bill signed by the President today provides essential funding for our nation’s military, including project funds at Edwards Air Force Base,” stated McKeon. “With the millions of dollars included for various defense projects across California, our state and district will benefit greatly.”
McKeon continued, “Edward’s Air Force Base is fortunate to have at least three significant projects being funded in the fiscal year 2008 Department of Defense bill. Support for our local projects helps ensure our military personnel have the most advanced equipment possible. For example, the TRACON appropriation for Edwards AFB updates the power management system from its current 40 year old system. Such a replacement system will improve the protection of airborne pilots in the event of an electrical failure. Additionally, the Hydrocarbon Boost Technology Demonstrator funding will help develop a reusable and cost effective launch vehicle to ensure that America maintains access to space.”
Timeline of Events: On August 5, 2007, the House passed a Defense funding bill, which included funding for the above projects. The Senate passed a similar bill on October 3, 2007. However, there were differences between the two bills and both Congressional bodies met to work out differences. Last week, on November 8, 2007, a final agreement was passed by the House and Senate. Today, the bill was signed into law by the President.