House Defense Bill Includes Major Funding for JSMC Work, Jordan Announces
July 6, 2009
A defense bill passed by the House of Representatives would provide millions of dollars for work performed at Lima's Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC)—including a recommended $334.6 million for Stryker light armored vehicles, Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) has announced.
The provisions are included in the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, which was approved with Jordan's support by a 389 to 22 vote today, with one voting present.
"Our troops in Iraq rely on the Stryker's mobility and survivability when performing counter-insurgency operations," Jordan said. "The men and women of JSMC can take great pride in their outstanding contributions to these efforts."
Jordan championed a multi-state congressional effort to support continued acquisition of the Stryker, the upper hull of which is produced at JSMC. An additional $312.7 million in Stryker funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2009 supplemental spending bill signed into law Wednesday.
The authorization bill would also provide more than $185 million for System Enhancement Package (SEP) upgrades to Abrams tanks. Under the SEP program, tanks are fitted with high-tech diagnostic equipment, night vision capabilities, and improved fire control systems. JSMC has been responsible for modernizing hundreds of tanks under this and similar programs.
Jordan committed his support for the Abrams upgrades to the House Armed Services Committee in March. An additional $100 million for SEP upgrades was included in the 2009 supplemental spending bill.
Also approved in the bill is $293.5 million for continued research and development work on the Marine Corps Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV), which is manufactured and assembled at JSMC.
Overall, the defense bill authorizes $680.4 billion for national defense programs in Fiscal Year 2010, including $5.5 billion for mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles. It establishes a 3.4-percent across-the-board pay raise for members of the military, 0.5 percent higher than President Obama recommended.
Actual defense spending for Fiscal Year 2010 will be determined in separate legislation later this year. Jordan said that he will work to protect the authorized funding as work continues on the 2010 budget.
"This bill, while not perfect, reflects our steadfast commitment to maintaining a strong national defense," Jordan noted. "It honors the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform as they protect and serve our nation at home and abroad."
The provisions are included in the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, which was approved with Jordan's support by a 389 to 22 vote today, with one voting present.
"Our troops in Iraq rely on the Stryker's mobility and survivability when performing counter-insurgency operations," Jordan said. "The men and women of JSMC can take great pride in their outstanding contributions to these efforts."
Jordan championed a multi-state congressional effort to support continued acquisition of the Stryker, the upper hull of which is produced at JSMC. An additional $312.7 million in Stryker funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2009 supplemental spending bill signed into law Wednesday.
The authorization bill would also provide more than $185 million for System Enhancement Package (SEP) upgrades to Abrams tanks. Under the SEP program, tanks are fitted with high-tech diagnostic equipment, night vision capabilities, and improved fire control systems. JSMC has been responsible for modernizing hundreds of tanks under this and similar programs.
Jordan committed his support for the Abrams upgrades to the House Armed Services Committee in March. An additional $100 million for SEP upgrades was included in the 2009 supplemental spending bill.
Also approved in the bill is $293.5 million for continued research and development work on the Marine Corps Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV), which is manufactured and assembled at JSMC.
Overall, the defense bill authorizes $680.4 billion for national defense programs in Fiscal Year 2010, including $5.5 billion for mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles. It establishes a 3.4-percent across-the-board pay raise for members of the military, 0.5 percent higher than President Obama recommended.
Actual defense spending for Fiscal Year 2010 will be determined in separate legislation later this year. Jordan said that he will work to protect the authorized funding as work continues on the 2010 budget.
"This bill, while not perfect, reflects our steadfast commitment to maintaining a strong national defense," Jordan noted. "It honors the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform as they protect and serve our nation at home and abroad."