SENATOR GREGG, SUNUNU: $80 MILLION FOR NH INITIATIVES IN DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT

WASHINGTON– U.S. Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and John E. Sununu (R-NH) announced that the Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Appropriations conference report passed the Senate by a final vote of 93 to 0 on December 21, 2005, and was signed by the President on December 30, 2005. The bill includes $80 million for New Hampshire companies, including $14 million for developments and programs being undertaken by companies in the Seacoast Region Central New Hampshire. A breakdown of the projects is listed below.

On the national level, the Defense Appropriations bill includes a 3.1 percent across-the-board pay raise for military personnel and funds an increase in Basic Allowance for Housing to maintain last year’s initiative to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for military personnel. It also provides $18 million for the National Guard Counter-Drug support programs. Among the $50 billion supplied for operations ongoing in Iraq and Afghanistan is $1 billion to address immediate equipment shortfalls for the Guard and Reserve.

Senator Gregg, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, stated, “Companies throughout New Hampshire continue to produce top-level products and services that are helping the men and women of our Armed Services carry out their duties worldwide. They are making a significant contribution to our national security, and I am pleased that their hard work and innovation is being recognized through the funding included in this bill. On a national level, I am proud to support a pay raise and increase in housing allowance for our troops in addition to making sure they have the equipment and resources they need to be successful in protecting the freedoms we are fortunate to enjoy. ”

“Military facilities and private-sector companies across New Hampshire, New England and the nation play an important role in supporting and protecting our men and women in uniform no matter where they serve around the world. The resources in this defense bill provide critical investments needed to fight the global war on terror, protect the homeland and make investments to best respond to future threats at home and abroad,” said Senator Sununu.

FY 2006 Department of Defense Appropriations Conference Report
Final Passage by Congress- December 21, 2005

Global Relief Technologies, Portsmouth - provides $3.5 million for a rapid data management system for logistical operations in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Noesis, Inc, Dover - provides $1 million to accelerate and expand the installation of high performance brush technology in motors and motor-generators in U.S. Navy nuclear submarines.

Planning Systems Inc., Portsmouth - provides $2 million for continued development of submarine combat control architecture to provide interfaces between components in the submarine combat control system for the U.S. Navy.

Wilcox Industries, Portsmouth - provides $7 million to fund two programs, including the procurement of dual mode breathing systems for use by U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians, and the procurement of helmet track mounting systems for night vision goggles.