Congressman Larson Supports Defense-Spending Bill Containing More than $2 Billion for Connecticut

Congressman Larson Supports Defense-Spending Bill Containing More than $2 Billion for Connecticut

Congressman John B. Larson joined fellow House members for the approval of a $408.9 billion defense-spending bill that contains more than $2 billion for Connecticut-based defense manufacturers. The Department of Defense Appropriations Act for FY 2006 (HR 2863) also provides a 3.1 percent pay increase for military personnel and allocates $45.3 billion in emergency supplemental funding to cover operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for the first half of the year.

"This bill supports our needs for maintaining maximum military preparedness," Larson said. "It continues critical defense programs tied to Connecticut. I'm particularly pleased at the continued support for the F/A-22, just one of many examples of the enormous contribution the state's defense industry and skilled workforce make in giving our Armed Forces their technological edge."

Funding recommendations for major defense programs important to Connecticut include:

* $3.8 billion for 24 F/A 22 Raptors
* $4.9 billion for research and development of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
* $3.2 billion for 15 C-17 transports
* $660 million for 45 UH-60 Black Hawks for the Army and National Guard
* $589 million for 26 MH-60S Navy Nighthawk helicopters
* $559 million for 12 MH-60R Navy Seahawk Helicopters

http://www.house.gov/larson/pr_050620.htm