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| May 4, 2006: Bell, Pantex Projects Receive Funding in Defense Spending Bill |
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Congressman Mac Thornberry (TX-13), a member of the Armed Services Committee, said, "As we worked on this bill, our number one goal was making sure our men and women in uniform are fully prepared to win the Global War on Terror. That means giving them new tanks and guns and planes. It also means giving them the highest compensation the budget will allow." The bill provides a 2.7 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces. For projects at Bell Helicopter, the bill includes $2.29 billion for the V-22 Osprey and $454 million for updating the Marines' H-1 helicopters. Bell Helicopter's Amarillo plant is the primary location for work conducted on the Osprey program. The bill calls for purchasing 16 Osprey aircraft (14 MV-22s and 2 CV-22s) and also funds continued testing and research and development of the V-22. The Committee further showed its support for the program by committing to buy 211 V-22s over a five year period (185 MV-22s and 26 CV-22s). The funding for the Marines' H-1 program will go toward upgrading 18 helicopters. Another project involving Bell - the new Presidential helicopter - receives $643 million in the bill for continuing research and development. The helicopter is expected to reach initial operating capacity in 2008. Assembly work will be done at Bell's Amarillo plant. The Defense Authorization Act also provides $479.2 million for Pantex. That total includes an additional $25 million above the President's request that Congressman Thornberry secured for upgrading facilities and security at the plant. Thornberry said, "The funding included in this bill shows that the Committee recognizes the importance of the work done at Pantex and Bell Helicopter. Through those two facilities, our area is making a major contribution to our national security." A vote by the full U.S. House of Representatives on the Defense Authorization Act is expected before Memorial Day. -30-
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