Press Release

October 4, 2007
CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE $2 MILLION FOR WESTERN MARYLAND DEFENSE PROJECT IN FEDERAL SPENDING BILL
Includes $74.5 million for Maryland projects

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. –
Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Senate has approved the Department of Defense 2008 spending bill, which includes $74.5 million for defense projects in Maryland, including $2 million for a defense project in Western Maryland. The legislation funds the Department of Defense and will go toward critical research, development, test and evaluation programs, as well as weapons and equipment required for the U.S. Armed Forces. Senator Mikulski is a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Senator Cardin is a member of the Budget Committee.

“We need to do everything we can to support our troops with the equipment they need on the battlefield, the benefits and services they deserve when they return home, and support for their families on the home front. We know how critical these funds are for our troops to fulfill their mission and return home safely,” said Senator Mikulski. “I will keep fighting to put money in the federal checkbook for our troops.”

“Our greatest obligation as elected officials is to take care of our troops and their families who have sacrificed on our behalf,” said Senator Cardin.  “This bill sets the right priorities by providing critical equipment and training, strengthening military health care for our troops and their families, and giving our military families the pay raise they deserve.”

The $2 million will be used by Volvo Powertrain in Hagerstown to complete development of a Heavy Duty Hybrid Electric Vehicle for the U.S. Air Force. This project is aimed at reducing dangerous emissions and greatly improving fuel economy. The project supports 1,500 jobs in Washington County.

In the next step of the legislative process, the House and Senate will meet in Conference Committee to work out the differences between the two versions of the bill. The Conference report will then be voted on by both Houses of Congress. Once passed by the House and Senate, the spending bill will go to the President for his signature.

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