FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2009

CONTACT: Emily Barocas/202-225-7295

HOUSE APPROVES LARSON'S DEFENSE PRIORITIES

Washington, DC -- Today, the House of Representatives voted to approve Congressman John B. Larson's (CT-01) key local defense priorities to improve national security, reduce costs and keep our manufacturing sector robust and innovative.  The projects help develop the next generation of weaponry and aircraft to keep Americans safe.  They bring almost $22 million to our local economy in order to boost our manufacturing sector and help us ensure that the highly-skilled, good paying jobs of the future stay in our area. 

"Our manufacturing base is a critical component of our national security.  These projects will create jobs for the highly-skilled workforce this country has relied on for decades to keep us safe.  The manufacturing base has been hit hard by the current recession, and this legislation can give our local industry a much needed boost," said Congressman Larson.

The projects include:

·         Regenerative Fuel Cell Back-up Power - The Department of Defense is the single largest energy consumer in the nation. This project will develop a stationary, renewable fuel cell power source that decreases the carbon footprint of our military and creates green jobs in one of our state's fastest growing sectors.

·         Advanced Turbine Engine Program - By building the next generation of helicopter engines, this project will sustain jobs in Connecticut's manufacturing sector, and reduce the cost of maintenance to American taxpayers over the complete life of the helicopter. 

·         Next Generation Precision Airdrop System - With U.S. Forces deployed in difficult foreign terrain, the military has drastically increased the use of precision airdrops to get supplies to our troops on the ground.  This project will help develop technology to improve the precision deliveries and ensure the safety of our troops by reducing their exposure in dangerous locations.

·         Modern Helicopter Control - This project will reduce the operation cost of the Army's fleet of helicopters, saving the American taxpayers up to 30%, by developing new hardware and controls to enhance helicopter reliability and mission capability in harsh environments.

·         Laser Optimization Remote Lighting Systems - This project, a joint initiative of local universities, community colleges, and Connecticut companies, will 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 - Our military is facing new and unexpected challenges as it works around the world to keep us safe.  To help in those endeavors the University of Hartford and manufacturing partners in the private and public sector are working with the Army to develop a key unmanned technology that will keep our soldiers out of harm's way and reduce unnecessary civilian casualties. The project is crucial to Connecticut's advanced manufacturing industry.

·         Foil Bearing Supported UAV Engines - The funding for this project will utilize foil bearings to increase the life of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle's (UAV) engine. By correcting the issue of the short life of UAV engines, the project will greatly increase system reliability while decreasing overall costs to American taxpayers.

·         Helicopter Expansion Mods - This project will fund testing of a new innovative technology to increase the speed, maneuverability, and survivability of military crew beyond that of conventional military helicopters. 

The projects come as part of the Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010.  That bill keeps our commitment to our troops and their families with a 3.4% pay raise for our military, first class medical care and strong support for family advocacy programs.  We also continue efforts to end the practice of "stop loss" and pay our troops an additional $500 for every month their term of service is involuntarily extended and provide our military with the weapons and equipment they need to fight the wars of today and tomorrow. The bill also makes a commitment to fiscal responsibility - reigning in outsourcing so that Defense personnel, not contractors, perform critical department functions.

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