Senate committee approves $1.5 million for Loring project

     WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the support of Senator Susan Collins, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved the fiscal year 2011 Defense Authorization bill on June 1, which authorizes $726 billion in funding for the U.S. Department of Defense. The bill includes more than $12 billion in funding for defense projects at Pratt & Whitney, Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the University of Maine, General Dynamics Armament Technical Products in Saco, and other Maine companies. Senator Collins was able to successfully authorize $1.5 million to Integrated Systems Solutions for a project at the former Loring Air Force Base to support engineering and design of a hybrid heavy lift transport for the Navy.     “This legislation contains a variety of crucial provisions that will provide critical force protection to our men and women in uniform; restore our military’s readiness; and continue the development of technologies to counter existing and emerging threats,” said Senator Collins, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services and Appropriations Committees. “I am pleased that the Committee accepted five of my amendments, which will help to improve our national security and the treatment and morale of our men and women in uniform,” she added. “In addition, the Senate Armed Services Committee has again recognized the valuable contributions of Maine companies to our national security by supporting my requests to fund important defense programs in our state.”
     At Senator Collins’ request, the Senate bill also helps ensure a continued and steady workload at BIW by authorizing $3 billion in funding for construction of two DDG-51s next year, one of which will be built at Bath Iron Works. The bill also contains Senator Collins’ provision that would make surplus small arms ammunition available to hunters and gun owners.  Senator Collins ensured that the provision reserved the right of federal agencies and local law enforcement officials to have the first opportunity to purchase the discounted ammunition — a change supported by the National Sheriffs’ Association and adopted by the Committee.