$636.3 Billion Defense Appropriations Bill Passed in U.S. House of Representatives

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a $636.3 billion fiscal year 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill, supporting U.S. troops and their families with first-class resources and equipment, and providing funding for numerous local businesses, organizations, and universities working with the Defense Department on research and procurement programs. The bill, which includes funding for 23 local programs, must now pass the Senate before heading to the President for his signature.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Defense Appropriations Bill includes $75 million in funding for western Pennsylvania, supporting local businesses, organizations, and universities in research and procurement programs.
  • Funding is allocated to 23 local programs, including $4,000,000 for Advanced Acoustic Concepts to improve submarine navigation, $6,400,000 for Argon ST to upgrade torpedo defense capabilities, and $2,800,000 for Compass Systems to provide a hand-held mobile mapping communications device.
  • The bill supports military families with programs such as $640,000 for Exceptional Parent to extend and expand their work with military families using print, online, and interactive resources.
  • The Defense Appropriations Bill includes $10,000,000 for Inventories for Defense Applications to Ensure Reliability of Short Lead Times, a project to decrease the Defense Department's long lead times for aviation and other high-performance equipment parts.
  • Funding is allocated to the University of Pittsburgh to develop a predictive diagnostics and therapeutics project that uses "Smart" electronic health records to optimize care for civilian and military patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
  • The bill provides a 3.4% military pay increase, 0.5% above the request, and includes $29.2 billion for first-class medical care.
  • The bill allocates $472.4 million for Family Advocacy programs, fully funds Family Support and Yellow Ribbon programs, and includes $10 million for Army National Guard Family Assistance Centers and reintegration.
  • The bill includes $950 million for the procurement of National Guard and Reserve Equipment for both state and federal missions.

Statistics:

  • $75 million: Funding allocated for western Pennsylvania in the Defense Appropriations Bill.
  • $4,000,000: Funding allocated for Advanced Acoustic Concepts to improve submarine navigation.
  • $6,400,000: Funding allocated for Argon ST to upgrade torpedo defense capabilities.
  • $2,800,000: Funding allocated for Compass Systems to provide a hand-held mobile mapping communications device.
  • $10,000,000: Funding allocated for Inventories for Defense Applications to Ensure Reliability of Short Lead Times.
  • 3.4%: Military pay increase, 0.5% above the request.
  • $29.2 billion: Funding allocated for first-class medical care.
  • $472.4 million: Funding allocated for Family Advocacy programs.
  • $10 million: Funding allocated for Army National Guard Family Assistance Centers and reintegration.
  • $950 million: Funding allocated for National Guard and Reserve Equipment.

Sources:

  • House Appropriations Committee summary of the bill.
  • Office of Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha.