U.S. House Approves Bill

The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act passed Wednesday provides defense programs with $28.4 billion more than 2008 funding, said U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Huntsville.

The bill includes nearly $8.7 billion for MDA programs, including about $284 million for the Multiple Kill Vehicle, $387 million for the Kinetic Energy Interceptor and $915 million for Ballistic Missile Defense System Tests and Targets.

Also included in the bill is $1.357 billion for the procurement of four Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles produced at Decatur’s United Launch Alliance facility.

More than $4.9 billion will go to Army programs, including:
•$3.6 billion for Future Combat Systems.
•$197.8 million for the procurement of the Army Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter.
•$257.1 million for the procurement of the Light Utility Helicopter.

"I am pleased that Congress voted this week to not only fund our nation’s defense programs, but to fund many of them at an increased level from the previous fiscal year," Cramer said.

"North Alabama has a significant presence in our nation’s defense, particularly missile defense. Having a strong missile defense program is vital to our national security, and the funding increase approved this week ensures that we can continue to develop our most critical programs."

Posted by al.com September 26, 2008 11:41 AM