Emerson: Defense Bill Passes in House Appropriations Committee with MO Projects

WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) joined members of the House Appropriations Committee to approve the FY 2005 defense spending bill. The legislation funds the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and contains Missouri projects.

Emerson, Missouri's only member of the House committee stated, "This bill is essential to the missions of American men and women in uniform around the world. The funding in this legislation will secure upgrades to equipment and supplies that will keep our troops safe in the field, as well as give them the salaries they have earned and the benefits they deserve. As the DoD continues to work hand-in-hand with the Department of Homeland Security, we have a mandate to work together for the protection of American citizens at home and abroad.

"At home in Missouri, we contribute to this cause. A number of our Southern Missouri
companies use their expertise and manufacturing capability to support the efforts of our military and the mission of homeland defense. I am very proud that their hard work and expertise has been rewarded with contracts in this bill. Aside from creating jobs in our communities, these projects reflect our values of patriotism in our country and service to our nation," Emerson said.

The Committee version of the FY 2005 Defense Appropriations bill includes the following Eighth District projects:

$19 million - ESSI (West Plains) - for retrofits to chemical and biological hazard shelters

$4 million - Kontek (New Madrid) and the University of Missouri at Rolla - for research on blast-resistant barriers for homeland defense

$2 million - Brewer Science (Rolla) - for polymer biological microengineering and
micromechanics

"This is a way, just like in the manufacturing shops of World War II, that those who remain at home can also serve the cause of freedom in the world," Emerson said. "These projects mean jobs right here in the Eighth District. Our workers are to be commended for helping to earn these projects."

Next, the bill will be considered by the full U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate before moving to a conference where any differences in the versions of the bill will be resolved. The House initiates all thirteen appropriations bill.