Whitfield Secures Additional $15.1 Million for Defense Systems | News | Congressman Ed Whitfield

News | Congressman Ed Whitfield | United States Representative

Whitfield Secures Additional $15.1 Million for Defense Systems June 21, 2005 WASHINGTONCongressman Ed Whitfield announced Tuesday that the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation last night that contains $15.1 million for various military projects that will benefit Fort Campbell and First District businesses.

At Whitfields request, the $15.1 million was added to the $409 billion FY 2006 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, which passed the House Monday evening by a vote of 398-19. The bill includes a 3.1% pay increase for military personnel and a $45.3 billion bridge fund to cover the cost of military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq from October to March 2006.

This bill shows our soldiers that we care and will provide them with the resources they need to accomplish their missions, said Whitfield. The Army units at Fort Campbell and Kentuckys First District are big winners with this bill because the legislation funds important operational and equipment needs and also helps secure jobs and businesses in the area.

At Whitfields request, the House added $7.7 million for 20 MH-47 E/D Infrared Engine Exhaust Suppressors. The suppressors significantly decrease the infrared signature of the Special Operations Chinook helicopter engines to conceal hot engine parts and decrease the threat from heat seeking/infrared missiles. The MH-47 Chinook is flown by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell. Furthermore, Whitfield secured $5.4 million for the Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System (APOBS) and the Rapid Wall Breaching Kit, both of which are manufactured by Ensign-Bickford in Muhlenberg County.

Whitfield also obtained $2 million for the Copper Air Quality Program, which will help reduce harmful microbes in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems in on-post military facilities in the U.S. and abroad. Whitfield sought the increase at the request of the Outokumpu Copper company based in Franklin.

With the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and the 5th Special Forces Group housed at Fort Campbell, Whitfield was pleased the legislation included $6.53 billion for Special Operations Forces (SOF) that was included in President Bushs budget and an extra $350 million for critical special operations programs and equipment including: $10.8 million for Forward Looking Infrared Radar Systems and $29.4 million for special radios for SOF operators. In addition, $43 million was provided for unplanned, emerging combat requirements that are frequently encountered by special forces operators in the field.

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