Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05) announced today that the House approved the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Appropriations bill.  Representative Cramer, a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, said the final conference agreement provided $459.6 billion for our nation’s defense programs, including funding for a number of North Alabama-based programs.

Specifically, the FY 2008 Defense Appropriations conference report provided $8.7 billion for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).  This total included $2.258 billion for the Ground-Based Midcourse (GMD) Defense system, $342 million for the Kinetic Energy Interceptor, $231.5 million for the Multiple Kill Vehicle, and $208 million for the Patriot Pure Fleet program.  The conference report also provided $53.5 million for the Joint Air-to-Ground (JAGM) missile. 

“North Alabama has a significant presence in our nation’s missile programs,” said Cramer.  “The Defense Appropriations report supports the missile community in North Alabama and ensures that we can continue to develop our most critical programs.”

The conference agreement also included $1.101 billion for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program.  The United Launch Alliance in Decatur is the nation’s primary provider of EELV vehicles.

Representative Cramer also supported language included in the report by Alabama Senator Richard Shelby prohibiting the Department of Defense from transferring management of the Army’s Unmanned Aerial Systems to the Air Force.  Cramer and the Alabama delegation have vigorously opposed efforts by the Air Force to assume research and development, acquisition, or operational control of all Unmanned Aerial Vehicles from each branch of the military.

Cramer said, “Maintaining Army management of the UAS system best ensures that Army commanders in the field can receive the information they need quickly and accurately.  I am pleased that my colleagues support our efforts to keep our soldiers on the ground in charge of their tactical airspace.”

Representative Cramer joined the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee this year.  His Subcommittee determines funding and provides oversight for the U.S. Military, its programs, systems, and acquisitions.

The FY 2008 Defense Appropriations conference report now moves to the Senate for consideration.