For Immediate Release
May 22, 2008
Media Contact: Ray Yonkura
(202) 225-2676
House Defense Bill Includes Major Funding
For JSMC Work, Jordan Announces
Washington, DC -- A defense bill passed by the House of Representatives would provide more than $1 billion for Stryker light armored vehicles manufactured at Lima’s Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) and related sites, Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana) has announced.
The provision is included in the Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Defense authorization bill, which was approved with Jordan’s support by a 384 to 23 vote tonight.
“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 helped lead a multi-state congressional effort to support continued acquisition of the Stryker, the upper hull of which is produced at JSMC.
Also included in the legislation is more than $351 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.
Also approved in the bill is $276 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 $601 billion for national defense programs in Fiscal Year 2009, including $2.6 billion for mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles. It establishes a 3.9-percent across-the-board pay raise for members of the military and blocks any increase in premiums or drug co-payments for enrollees in the military health care system.
Actual defense spending for Fiscal Year 2009 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 2009 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.”
