Thornberry Says Funding A Tribute To Amarillo's Unique  Workforce

Amarillo, Texas - Congressman Mac Thornberry (TX-13) today announced that the House has passed the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2008, which includes funds for work at Amarillo's Bell Helicopter and Pantex plants.  The bill provides $506.9 billion for the Defense Department and an additional $189.4 billion to cover the war costs of the Global War on Terrorism.  The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 1585) was approved by the House on a 370 to 49 vote.

Bell Helicopter projects funded in the bill include more than $3 billion for the V-22 Osprey, $541.9 million for updating the Marines' H-1 helicopters.  The bill calls for purchasing 33 Osprey aircraft (23 MV-22s and 10 CV-22s) and also funds continued testing and research and development of the V-22.

The funding for the Marines' H-1 program will go toward upgrading 21 helicopters and will help replace aircraft in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Defense Authorization Act also provides $553.4 million for Pantex. That amount includes an increase of $36.8M above the President's request for Pantex and facilities and provides additional funding for:

High Pressure Fire Loop - $7 million

High explosive pressing facility - $25.3 million

Recapitalization for electrical distribution system - $2.5 million

Gas main upgrade project - $1.9 million

"The people who work at Pantex and Bell Helicopter make a unique contribution to our national defense.  Members of the House Armed Services Committee saw this first hand when they visited Amarillo recently and the continued strong support these programs receive is due in large measure to the hard work of the people on the line at these two plants," said Thornberry.

The bill also provides a 3.5 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces, once again funds the TRICARE military retiree medical program without increasing fees, and extends the prohibition the committee enacted last year on retail pharmacy cost share increases for military retirees.

"People are our most important national defense resource. The pay and benefits authorized in this bill will allow us to continue to attract America's best and brightest to volunteer for our armed forces," said Congressman Thornberry, "and maintain the quality of life for our military retirees."

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