House Approves Larson's Defense Priorities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:July 30, 2009
CONTACT: Emily Barocas/202-225-7295
HOUSE APPROVES LARSON'S DEFENSE PRIORITIES
Washington, DC -- Today, the House of Representatives voted to approveCongressman John B. Larson's (CT-01) key local defense priorities toimprove national security, reduce costs and keep our manufacturing sectorrobust and innovative. The projects help develop the next generation ofweaponry and aircraft to keep Americans safe. They bring almost $22million to our local economy in order to boost our manufacturing sector andhelp us ensure that the highly-skilled, good paying jobs of the future stay inour area.
"Our manufacturing base isa critical component of our national security. These projects will createjobs for the highly-skilled workforce this country has relied on for decades tokeep us safe. The manufacturing base has been hit hard by the currentrecession, and this legislation can give our local industry a much neededboost," said Congressman Larson.
The projects include:
·Regenerative FuelCell Back-up Power - The Department ofDefense is the single largest energy consumer in the nation. This project willdevelop a stationary, renewable fuel cell power source that decreases thecarbon footprint of our military and creates green jobs in one of our state'sfastest growing sectors.
·Advanced Turbine EngineProgram - By building the nextgeneration of helicopter engines, this project will sustain jobs inConnecticut's manufacturing sector, and reduce the cost of maintenance toAmerican taxpayers over the complete life of the helicopter.
·Next GenerationPrecision Airdrop System - With U.S. Forcesdeployed in difficult foreign terrain, the military has drastically increasedthe use of precision airdrops to get supplies to our troops on theground. This project will help develop technology to improve theprecision deliveries and ensure the safety of our troops by reducing theirexposure in dangerous locations.
·Modern HelicopterControl - This project will reducethe operation cost of the Army's fleet of helicopters, saving the Americantaxpayers up to 30%, by developing new hardware and controls to enhancehelicopter reliability and mission capability in harsh environments.
·Laser OptimizationRemote Lighting Systems - This project, ajoint initiative of local universities, community colleges, and Connecticutcompanies, will develop the use of lasers as a light source on U.S. Navy ships.The project will help the Navy save on energy costs and develop new lasertechnologies for use in other sectors.
·Unmanned HybridProjectiles - Our military is facingnew and unexpected challenges as it works around the world to keep ussafe. To help in those endeavors the University of Hartford andmanufacturing partners in the private and public sector are working with theArmy to develop a key unmanned technology that will keep our soldiers out ofharm's way and reduce unnecessary civilian casualties. The project is crucialto Connecticut's advanced manufacturing industry.
·Foil BearingSupported UAV Engines - The funding forthis project will utilize foil bearings to increase the life of an UnmannedAerial Vehicle's (UAV) engine. By correcting the issue of the short life of UAVengines, the project will greatly increase system reliability while decreasingoverall costs to American taxpayers.
·HelicopterExpansion Mods - This project willfund testing of a new innovative technology to increase the speed,maneuverability, and survivability of military crew beyond that of conventionalmilitary helicopters.
The projects come as partof the Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. That bill keepsour commitment to our troops and their families with a 3.4% pay raise for ourmilitary, first class medical care and strong support for family advocacyprograms. We also continue efforts to end the practice of "stop loss" andpay our troops an additional $500 for every month their term of service isinvoluntarily extended and provide our military with the weapons and equipmentthey need to fight the wars of today and tomorrow. The bill also makes acommitment to fiscal responsibility - reigning in outsourcing so that Defensepersonnel, not contractors, perform critical department functions.
###