Reid Hails Passage of Defense Appropriations Bill Bringing Nearly $90 Million to Nevada

[The Straight Story]

Reid Hails Passage of Defense Appropriations Bill Bringing Nearly $90 Million to Nevada

Bill creates jobs, supports troops, expands unemployment benefits

December 19, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Led by Nevada Senator Harry Reid, the U.S. Senate passed the Department of Defense Appropriations conference report that will bring nearly $90 million to Nevada for job-creating projects and high tech research initiatives that support our military. This bill funds equipment and weapons systems and increases pay for service members. In addition, this bill:

* Extends unemployment benefits and the COBRA health insurance program, small business loan programs and nutrition assistance that are critical as many Nevadans continue to search for work;
* Includes an amendment by Senators Reid and Ensign to modernize the Nevada Test Site and expand the Test Site’s role in protecting our nation;
* Provides $150 million for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, at the request of Sen. Reid.

Senator Reid also supported $50 million for the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program which focuses on researching diseases affecting combat personnel such as loss of vision or hearing (tinnitus).

“This bill represents jobs and our support for Nevada’s men and women in uniform,” Reid said. “It also represents an investment in Nevada’s future with provisions to help for those still looking for work and funds for projects that will create jobs and diversify our state’s economy.”

A breakdown of the funded projects is as follows:

Project: NV Air National Guard Scathe View
Requestor: Nevada Air National Guard
Location: Carson City, NV
Amount: $3,600,000
Description: This request funds the sustainment and operations budget for the Nevada Air National Guard's Scathe View system, which provides real-time imagery support to combat operations, search and rescue operations, as well as support to Civil Authorities during natural disasters (hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, etc).

Project: Nevada National Guard Counter-Drug Program
Requestor: Nevada National Guard
Location: Carson City, NV
Amount: $4,000,000
Description: This funding supports the Nevada National Guard Counter-Drug Program (NVNG CDP) to support current operational levels and supplement the equipment capabilities of the Nevada Integrated Imagery Network (NIIN) with personnel.

Project: Mission Essential Airfield Operations Equipment
Requestor: 98th Range Wing
Location: Nellis AFB, NV
Amount: $2,986,000
Description: This funds the mission essential equipment required for the continued successful operations conducted by the 98th Range Wing, including: a 90 ton rough terrain Grove Crane RT890E Crane, a replacement R-11 Fuel Truck, four 15-Ton Snow Plow/Hoppers, a Wasau Model 5220 SnoSaw Runway Broom (Airfield), four 4x4 Vehicles, a Heavy Equipment Transporter Tractor (SIMI Truck), a Heavy Equipment Transporter Trailer (SIMI) and 40ft flat-bed trailers (for Sealand doubles applications).

All project at link
http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/pr_121909_dodconfrep.cfm