FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Contact: Jose Borjon, (202) 225-7742 or (202) 579-2403

ORTIZ: OBAMA SIGNS NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

WASHINGTON--Today, U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz (D-Texas) witnessed President Barack Obama sign H.R. 2674, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, at the White House.

“I would like to thank President Obama, my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee for coming together and bringing the authorization to the White House swiftly,” said Ortiz, Chair of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee. “Our commitment to our troops and the well being of this nation must continue to be our top priority. The signing of this bill into law by President Obama brings peace of mind--knowing we will be able to support our military efforts abroad and at home.”

Ortiz secured funding for eight projects in South Texas.

“The Defense budget is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress passes every year, and I am pleased to have secured funding that will directly benefit South Texas,” Ortiz said.

The following projects will receive funding:

• Buster/Black UAV Development, Mission Technologies, $1 million in funding for a fully automated, unmanned aerial surveillance system.

• Navy Sea Cadet Corps, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, $651,000 in funding for youth program development of youth ages 11-17, serving almost 9,000 Sea Cadets and adult volunteers in 387 units country-wide. This project promotes interest and skill in seamanship and aviation and instills qualities that mold strong moral character in an anti-drug and anti-gang environment.

• Navy Ship Disposal—Carrier Demonstration Program, United States Navy, $3 million in funding for a ship disposal demonstration project that will allow the Navy to dismantle and dispose of two obsolete aircraft carriers.

• Our Military Kids, Our Military Kids, Inc., $1 million in funding to cover fees associated with educational, athletic, or fine arts programs for children of deployed National Guard and Reserve forces, and of severely injured service members.

• Redevelopment of Naval Station Ingleside, Ingleside Local Redevelopment Authority, $1 million in funding to assist the LRA in redeveloping NSI.

• Solar Panel Array, Naval Air Station Kingsville, $4.47 million in funding to be used for renewable energy solar panels that reduce carbon emissions and provide a renewable source of free electricity for Naval Air Station Kingsville.

• Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility, Robstown, $10.2 million in funding to construct an addition to the Army Reserve Controlled Humidity Warehouse in Robstown, Texas.

• Texas Defense Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative, $3 million in funding to provide quick solutions for critical Department of Defense machined part shortages.

For more information on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, go to http://armedservices.house.gov/.

The Senate passed H.R. 2647 on Thursday, Oct. 22 with a vote of 68 to 29. The House passed H.R. 2647 on Thursday, Oct. 8 with a vote of 281 to 146. 

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