US House Seal

From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

December 19, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheson Supports Defense Funding Bill

Secures Funding for Utah Projects

Washington DC-Congressman Jim Matheson said final passage of the fiscal year defense spending bill means more funding for US troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq and better benefits for their families stateside.

"Our men and women in uniform have performed magnificently, at great sacrifice. I am committed to providing everything they need to accomplish their mission and return home safely, said Matheson.

The Defense Appropriations legislation-HR 2863-fully funds the 3.1% military pay raise.  An additional $1.2 billion is provided for personnel force protection items and gear for the troops in the field.  A total of $230 million is provided to cover the costs of enhanced insurance and death gratuity benefits that were approved in the FY 2005 emergency supplemental.

Matheson secured $4 million for ongoing research and development of several Utah-based projects.  He said the bill includes the following:

  • $1 million for Ceramatec's pain therapy system that may provide a better alternative for treating soldiers' chronic pain;
  • $1 million for EDO's Common Depth Sounder-an advanced COTS-based safety -of-ship navigation system engineered for commonality that can be installed on surface ships and submarines;
  • $1 million for a solar cell production facility in St. George -a hi-tech manufacturing plan that creates solar arrays used in defense and NASA satellites;
  • $1 million for Artiss's research into an anti-motion sickness computer display-a drug-free device that may reduce motion sickness for soldiers in the field.

"These Utah firms and Utah employees have developed a number of innovative products that contribute to our national defense and I am pleased this funding will support that effort," said Matheson.


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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)