WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey voted to pass a Defense bill which would bring $20.25 million to the 11th District in 2008. Gingrey announced that H.R. 3222, the Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2008, includes funding for several defense projects throughout Northwest Georgia. The legislation also includes funding for the procurement of twenty F-22 Raptor aircrafts, which will bring $3.153 billion to the Marietta area.
"This Defense Bill isn't perfect," said Gingrey. "But it does cover a wide range of defense priorities that are vitally important to our Armed Services, and supports the great work going on right here in Georgia. I'm proud that so many 11th District employees and companies work to provide our military with the tools they need to defend our nation. This bill is good for our troops and it is good for the 11th District."
Within this legislation, Gingrey said he helped secure funding for many projects in the 11th District that are helping to strengthen the military and protect soldiers.
H.R. 3222 includes:
„« $2.5 million for the research and development of BioFoam Protein Hydrogel, a blood clotting substance being developed to treat battlefield trauma wounds - CryoLife Corporation in Kennesaw
„« $1 million for the development of Active and Smart food packaging that makes sure our troops are provided with safer and longer lasting combat rations - Printpack in Villa Rica
„« $4 million to upgrade the Combat Arms Training Systems (CATS), a virtual simulation system, which help train the Army National Guard for combat situations - Firearms Training Systems in Suwanee
„« $2 million to implement the Covert Waveform Program, a recently developed advanced communication system - Scientific Research Corporation in Marietta
„« $2.25 million for Smission Cartledge blood infusion devices, which will decrease casualties to our service men and women - Smission Cartledge Biomedical
„« $4.5 million for development of advanced surface-to-air missile simulator systems - Georgia Tech
„« $2 million for Bio-engineering research in advanced tissue, bone regeneration, wound care and other treatment issues relevant to military trauma care - Georgia Tech
„« $2 million for Electronic Technology Infrastructure, (ETI) to enhance the military's ability to detect a potential public health emergency or crisis and allow the reporting of vital health information to appropriate authorities - Grady Hospital
In its last action before heading to the August district work period, the House overwhelmingly voted to pass H.R. 3222 by a vote of 395 to 13. The Defense bill now awaits Senate action.
The text of Congressman Gingrey's remarks on H.R. 3222 follows:
Remarks by Congressman Phil Gingrey On the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for FY 2008 August 4, 2007
I rise today in recognition of the hard work the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, and their staffs, have put in on behalf of our nation on the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2008 - and in gratitude for their work on behalf of the 11th District of Georgia.
And I would like to commend Chairman Murtha and Ranking Member Young for their efforts on behalf of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who are so bravely defending us at home and abroad.
In its current form, this appears to be legislation that - although not perfect - does a fine job covering a wide range of priorities that are vitally important to our Armed Services. While regrettably cutting funding for both Missile Defense and Future Combat Systems, the bill does appropriately include an across-the-board 3.5% pay raise and provisions addressing both Guard and Reserve readiness concerns. This bill also provides much-needed funds to grow the Army - by 7,000 soldiers - and the Marine Corps - by 5,000 Marines.
Our House colleagues also did a good job providing funding for many important programs which are our military's top priorities. Chief among these, is the F-22 Raptor.
I am particularly encouraged by the work the Appropriations Committee has done to fund F-22 procurement this year, as this aircraft is vital to our nation's defense. This bill contains $3.153 billion for 20 F-22 Raptor aircraft as part of the multi-year procurement strategy of 60 F-22s over the next three years. This will go a long way toward providing stability for the program and ensuring that America maintains air dominance for the foreseeable future.
Further, as we fight the Global War on Terror, the United States must without question continue to modernize and strengthen our ability to support our men and women in harm's way. Maintaining our nation's airlift capabilities is critical to this mission, and I would like to applaud the Committee for their recognition of this by including funding for the modernization of the C-5 fleet, in line with the Air Force's program of record.
The Committee also responsibly recognizes the importance of developing life-saving innovations to benefit our war-fighters. Accordingly, $2.5 million dollars was included for the research and development of BioFoam Protein Hydrogel, which is manufactured in my district. BioFoam has the potential to save lives on the battlefield by using an expanding, adhesive, foam sealant to stop uncontrollable bleeding from internal wounds where tourniquets cannot be applied. Additionally, I am grateful that the Committee worked with me to provide funding for the Covert Waveform Program and for the development of Active/Smart Packaging for combat feeding.
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