Defense Bill Includes $2.4 Billion Of Hulshof's Priorities

Press Release

DEFENSE BILL INCLUDES $2.4 BILLION OF HULSHOF'S PRIORITIES

The U.S. House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes several funding priorities of U.S. Representative Kenny Hulshof (MO-09). Hulshof played a pivotal role in the inclusion of these projects, among them $2.4 billion for the production of 10 C-17s.

"The most important job of the federal government is providing a strong defense of our nation," Hulshof said. "These priorities will ensure that those charged with protecting us will have the necessary resources to do the job well."

Reps. Hulshof, Akin and Carnahan secured funding for the production of the 10 C-17s. The C-17 has been instrumental in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as disaster relief in Asia and the United States' gulf coast. Without action this year by Congress, C-17 production will end.

Hulshof also included a provision that provides $6 million for the research and development of Chemical and Biological Protective Hangars. When research and development is completed, these hangars will be produced in Fulton. These hangars would provide a clean, sheltered environment for maintenance of the Army helicopter fleet in the event of a chemical or biological attack.

"These structures will protect the people assigned to work on the fleet as well as the equipment," Hulshof said. "It would also provide economic benefit to workers in Fulton. I'm proud to have cutting-edge technology like this produced in the Ninth District."

The $6 million would cover the Research and Development costs of the hangers. The Army has expressed great interest in the project after development and testing are completed.

Other Hulshof priorities included in the NDAA:

· $5 million for research and development of the Advanced Mission Planning Tools for the Special Forces. Westar in St. Charles will conduct this work. Congressmen Hulshof and Akin have been champions of this technology that will allow helicopter pilots to instantly make calculations (fuel load, weight balance, weapons arrangement) that currently take hours.

· A $7 million increase of the President's Budget for the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP). PTAP helps small businesses owned by women, veterans and minorities obtain government contracts.

The National Defense Authorization Act has been forwarded to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

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