Boren Secures $48.7 Million For Defense Projects

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Dan Boren, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, has secured $48.7 million in the FY 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday afternoon by a vote 389 to 22, and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Securing an authorization of project funding in the annual NDAA legislation is the critical first step toward appropriating and distributing the resources to the military installations of Oklahoma.

Since first being elected in 2004 and obtaining a seat on the House Armed Services Committee, Boren has authorized $146.6 million in the U.S. House of Representatives for military projects in Oklahoma. For McAAP alone, Boren has secured $105 million.

"This legislation honors our troops and military families while strengthening our military readiness. It provides a broad range of funding to improve national security and to achieve mission success in whatever situation may arise. I am honored to secure the authorization of these specific projects for eastern Oklahoma's military installations. With this funding, McAAP will continue to play an integral role in protecting our nation," Boren said.

Funding Boren secured this week in the FY 2010 National Defense Authorization Act includes:

$5 million for Bomb Line Modernization at MCAAP. Funding is necessary to support new explosive load requirements and much needed modernization upgrades
$7.4 million for a Mobile Ammunition Processing Facility at MCAAP's Defense Ammunition Center
$5 million for development of Demilitarization Equipment for Cluster Ammunition at MCAAP's Defense Ammunition Center
$3.4 million for High Density Power Conversion and Distribution Equipment at Westwood Corporation, L-3 for future naval ship power generator programs.
$20.4 million for upgrading the Army National Guard's fleet of UH-60A Blackhawk helicopters to the improved UH-60L model
$7.5 million for Dual Mode Mortar SAL Integration to assist with development of a precision mortar capable of engaging targets in the rugged mountain terrain

The FY 2010 NDAA authorizes $550.5 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DoE). The bill also authorizes $130 billion to support ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan during fiscal year 2010.

It provides all service members a pay raise of 3.4 percent and expands pre-mobilization TRICARE health coverage from 90 to 180 days. The measure also helps restore our nation's military readiness by funding the Army's and Marine Corps' equipment reset requirements by authorizing nearly $13 billion.

Other highlights of the legislation include:

1.95 billion for family housing programs
Provides travel and transportation for three designated persons, including non-family members, to visit hospitalized service members
Enables seriously injured service members to use a non-medical attendant for help with daily living or during travel for medical treatment
Establishes a pilot program for military spouses to have internships with federal agencies
$6.9 billion to address equipment shortfalls in the National Guard and Reserve
Increases the size of the military - by 15,000 Army troops, 8,000 Marines, 14,650 Air Force personnel, and 2,477 Navy sailors
$450 million for Army barracks improvements and $440 million to support National Guard and Reserve military construction projects
Improves process of planning for and procurement of body armor

Source