Levin Announces Michigan-Related Provisions of National Defense Authorization Act

Press Release

Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Armed Services committee, today announced Michigan-related provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for FY15 agreed to by Senate and House negotiators.

"This bill once again highlights the Michigan role in our national defense from our history as World War II's "Arsenal of Democracy' until today," Levin said. "Once again, Michigan's manufacturing excellence, technical know-how and academic excellence will help our troops carry out their missions, and this bill includes important improvements for Michigan's National Guard members and reservists."

The bill includes $182.9 million for Army research on combat vehicle and automotive technologies through the Army Tank and Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center in Warren. TARDEC is the Department of Defense's leading laboratory for research and development of advanced military vehicle technologies, including efforts to protect Army vehicles against rocket propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices and explosively formed projectiles; advanced materials for tactical vehicle armor; more efficient engines; fuel cell and hybrid electric vehicles; unmanned ground vehicles; computer simulations for vehicle design and training of Army personnel; and technology partnerships with the automotive industry.

The bill also includes funding for the programs of the Army's TACOM Life Cycle Management Command in Warren. TACOM LCMC is the Army's lead organization for the development and acquisition of ground vehicle combat, automotive and armaments technologies and systems. TACOM LCMC-managed systems include the Abrams main battle tank, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Stryker Armored Vehicle, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, and all Army tactical vehicles, such as the HMMWV and Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles.

House and Senate negotiators reached agreement on the NDAA late Monday. The House is expected to take up the bill this week, with Senate consideration to follow.

Other programs funded in the bill and issues that impact Michigan are as follows:

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