WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives passed the $408.7 billion Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Appropriations Bill that includes $45.3 billion for operations in Iraq. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) voted for the bill which also included $10 million for specific projects in the First District.

“I’m happy to help provide funding for these important projects to the First District,” Stupak said. “Not only do they greatly aide our defense and homeland security strategies, but they also provide economic development for northern Michigan.”

Upon passage of the defense spending bill, Stupak joined many other bi-partisan Members of Congress in encouraging the Bush Administration to develop a firm strategy to train Iraqi forces, establish a democratic government and eventually begin removal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Stupak cited the human and financial costs of the Iraqi war of more than 1,700 American soldiers killed, more than 12,000 wounded, nearly $200 billion of U.S. taxpayer dollars spent.

“Although I’m supportive of providing our troops with everything they need to complete their mission and return home safely, we need a plan as to what goals must be accomplished so we can start to bring our troops home,” Stupak said.

 Below are the Northern Michigan initiatives included in the defense spending bill:

• $4 Million to continue research and testing of the Advanced Thermal Management System-  The Advanced Thermal Management System, developed by Engineered Machined Products (EMP) of Escanaba, improves fuel efficiency and emissions on the Army’s medium duty tactical vehicles.

• $1 Million to Center for Integrated Systems in Sensing, Imaging, and Communications at Michigan Technological University-  The funding for this important program will allow Michigan Tech’s Center for Integrated Systems in Sensing, Imaging, and Communications to develop a point-to-point laser communications system, or channel coding for optical communications.

• $5 Million for the Ring Extruder project by Century 3+ in Traverse City- The Ring Extruder increases the speed and quality of plastics manufacturing used in the development of fuel cell technology.

These programs Stupak advocated for the First District have passed a critical first step in receiving funding in the final annual appropriations bills. The Defense Appropriations Bill now goes to the Senate.

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