House Defense Authorization Bill Protects 4th District Defense Programs

Press Release

A defense bill passed by the House of Representatives today authorizes $255.4 million for Abrams tank upgrade work at Lima's Joint Systems Manufacturing Center and prohibits the transfer or retirement of C-27J cargo aircraft flown by the Ohio Air National Guard's 179th Airlift Wing, Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) has announced.

The funding for Lima, an increase of $181 million over President Obama's request, as well as the provision that would impact the C-27J program, is included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013, which was approved by a vote of 299 to 120 today. Jordan voted for the bill.

Overall, the NDAA authorizes $554.2 billion for Department of Defense activities in Fiscal Year 2013, consistent with the House-passed budget. It establishes a 1.7-percent across-the-board pay raise for members of the military and extends bonuses and special pay programs. It also maintains our ability to detain, interrogate, and prosecute foreign terrorists without diminishing or in any way affecting the rights of citizens.

Actual defense spending for Fiscal Year 2013 will be determined in separate legislation later this year. Jordan said that he will work to protect the authorized funding for tank upgrades as work continues on the 2013 budget.

"This bill reflects our continued commitments to a strong national defense, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring the rights of American citizens," Jordan said. "It honors the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform as they protect and serve our nation at home and abroad."

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