Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (Ala.-05) announced today that the House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Appropriations bill.  Cramer, a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, said the bill provides $459.3 billion for our nation’s defense programs, a ten percent increase over last year’s funding levels.

Specifically, the FY 2008 Defense Appropriations bill provides $8.6 billion for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).  This total includes $372.9 million for the Kinetic Energy Interceptor and $274.3 million for the Multiple Kill Vehicle.  “Missile Defense remains a top priority for our nation’s security,” said Cramer.  “It is vital that we continue to provide funding to further develop these missile systems.”

Representative Cramer also announced that he included language in the Defense Appropriations bill requiring the Department of Defense to carefully review the Air Force’s proposal to manage the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) of all services.  Representative Cramer is advocating for the Army’s efforts to maintain management of its Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Representative Cramer has also today directly voiced his support for Army Unmanned Systems to Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England.

“The Army has unique UAS capabilities that require it to mange its own program.” said Cramer.  “We must continue to look for ways to maintain this expertise and experience that is needed to protect our soldiers.”

The FY 2008 Defense Appropriations bill also includes $925 million for the acquisition of equipment for the National Guard and Reserve.  This amount is $635 million above last year’s funding level.

The bill also provides a 3.5 percent pay raise for America’s warfighters.  Cramer said, “Our soldiers continue to perform their duties with distinction and this pay raise is more than deserved.”

In addition, North Alabama will work on specific programs for the U.S. Army, including:

• Rapid Response System for Protection of Air and Ground Vehicles.
• Integrated Modeling of Air and ground Environments.
• Radiation Hardening Initiative (RADHARD).
• Autonomous Cargo Acquisition for Rotorcraft Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
• Nanosystem Engineering for Missile Applications (NEMA).

“North Alabama is among our nation’s leaders for developing new and innovative technologies for our armed services,” said Cramer.  “These projects will support the warfighter.”

Representative Cramer has been a member of the House Appropriations Committee since 1998, and is a new member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.  This Subcommittee determines funding and provides oversight for the U.S. Military, its programs, systems, and acquisitions.