Washington, DC –  Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to support conference report legislation that will fund and reform the Defense Department of the United States.  The conference report for H.R. 3222, The Department of Defense Appropriations for FY 2008, was approved by a 400 - 15 vote.

The bill includes a project funding request made by Rep. Baca for the Inland Empire Perchlorate Wellhead Treatment Project.  The project is funded at $2 million. This funding will be used to cleanup water sources in Rialto, Fontana, and Colton contaminated by perchlorate, a rocket fuel additive that has been lined to thyroid damage.

“Many families are concerned with the quality and safety of the drinking water in the Inland Empire,” said Rep. Baca.  “This funding will make sure drinking water in our area is clean and provide much needed federal assistance to our local communities who have been overburdened with perchlorate cleanup costs.”

The bill approved by Congress today also strengthens America’s military by:

•    Investing in equipment, training and cutting-edge weaponry, including body armor and vehicles proven to save lives in Iraq;

•    Restoring depleted equipment for the National Guard and Reserves;

•    Funding a 3.5 percent pay raise for our troops; and

•    Strengthening health care for our wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The Democratic Congress is working to ensure America’s defenses remain strong,” said Rep. Baca.  “This responsible legislation addresses our current military readiness crisis by restoring our military’s capability to protect us against threats throughout the world, and making sure our troops get the benefits they deserve and have earned.”


The conference report also includes a Continuing Resolution that funds the federal government through December 14 at the FY 2007 spending level.  The Continuing Resolution includes $500 million towards firefighting and fire-prevention projects.  This funding would include:

•    $215 million to repay funds the U.S. Forest Service and Interior Department borrowed from other programs to pay for firefighting efforts;
 
•    $90 million to remove dead trees and other vegetation that presents fire danger to forests and communities in Southern California; and
 
•    $31 million for forest rehabilitation measures.

“The emergency funding included in this bill is essential in strengthening our firefighting capabilities,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “We must continue to work to craft a long-term solution that explores all aspects of the fight against wildfires.  But for now, this stopgap measure is critical to the well being of our Southern California communities.”