Dreier Votes To Fund Pay Raise For Troops

Press Release

Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA) voted today to fund a pay increase for our troops and to provide vital resources for them and their families. Additionally, the bill includes funding for several Foothill-based companies that are providing technology designed to protect our troops in the field. The Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill, H.R. 3326, was approved with broad bipartisan support, 395-34. It represents a final agreement between the House and Senate and will soon be sent to the President for his signature.

"Taking care of our troops is our absolute top priority and I am proud the House has done so in a bipartisan way," Dreier said. "There should be no disagreement that our hardworking men and women in uniform, and their families, deserve the full support of the American people and the resources they need to fulfill the missions they are asked to execute."

H.R. 3326 provides $350 million for a 3.4 percent military pay raise. It also includes $29.2 billion in Defense health programs to provide care for our troops and their families. Additionally, it provides $128.2 billion for ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Of local interest, the legislation funds projects at several Foothill-based companies that work with the Department of Defense. Chang Industry of La Verne, CA will receive $3.2 million for the Fire Shield system which will help protect armored vehicles from the blast effects of Rocket Propelled Grenades and Explosively Formed Penetrators. Tanner Research in Morovia, CA will receive $2 million for the development of the Lens-Less Dual-Mode Micro Seeker, a highly accurate guided projectile designed to protect our troops from incoming rocket, artillery, and mortar threats. Advanced Projects Research, Inc, also of La Verne, will receive $1.2 million for the Wavelength Agile Spectral Harmonic Oxygen Sensor and Cell-Level Battery Controller, systems that will improve safety and efficiency in high-performance fuel tanks and military equipment in the field. The City of Hope National Medical Center will receive $800,000 for its continued research to enhance medical care for combat casualties. AeroVironment of Monrovia, CA will receive $1 million for the Hand-Held Lethal Small Unmanned Aircraft System, a precision system designed to quickly engage targets on the ground, particularly in urban and mountainous environments.

Dreier said the efforts of these local companies are good for our troops and good for the Foothills. "I am also proud that several companies based in the Foothills are working with the Department of Defense to provide technology that is protecting our troops on the battlefield," Dreier said. "These companies are providing good paying jobs in Southern California and at the same time, helping our troops."

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