(Washington D.C.) The U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval today to a $532.8 billion defense bill including $70 billion to fund the ongoing combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and provide funding for important facilities and programs in our area. Sheppard Air Force Base, Bell Helicopter/Textron, and Pantex each receive funding in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007.

Congressman Mac Thornberry (TX-13), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, was also a member of the Conference Committee which reconciled the House and Senate versions and wrote the final bill.  

"Providing for our nation's defense is our government's most important function," said Thornberry.

A 2.2 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces is included in the bill.

The bill also provides about $31 billion to operate Air Force bases from which Sheppard obtains most of its funding.  Sheppard will also receive an additional $7 million to begin construction of a new base operations ramp for military aircraft. The ramp currently used for military purposes at Sheppard poses a number of logistical problems. For example, it is located away from the central military aircraft operating area and requires crossing the municipal runway. The new ramp will improve safety and reduce the mixing of commercial and military aircraft operations.

The bill's funding for projects involving Bell Helicopter's Amarillo plant includes:

• Approximately $2.3 billion for the V-22 Osprey program (including the purchase of 14 MV-22s and 2 CV-22s; and beginning in 2008, the ability to buy some V-22 parts in advance)
• $523 million to upgrade 18 helicopters for the Marines' H-1 program
• $683 million for continued research and development of the new Presidential helicopter (for which part of the assembly work will be performed at Bell's Amarillo plant)

The bill's funding for Pantex totals about $480 million. The total includes an additional $28.8 million above the President's budget request to upgrade facilities and security at the plant.

The Defense Authorization Act is expected to clear the Senate soon and be sent to President Bush for his signature.

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