Bishop also inserted language that instructs the Department of Defense and NASA to look into the benefits of a shuttle-based flight system into space, as opposed to other systems that are not as proven or capable.

"ATK-Thiokol believes this study will vindicate the shuttle system for which they build boosters, as opposed to other more expensive, less capable heavy lift boosters," Scott Parker, Bishop's spokesman, said.

"This could end up having a substantial impact for one of our large, local private employers in Utah and for our space program in general."

Bishop also sought $10 million for research and development of the next generation engine for the cruise missile.

Late last year, the Russians, who have been working with India on testing a new cutting-edge weapons system, bragged that "we have broken the U.S. monopoly on the use of long-range conventional cruise missiles," Parker said.

"The United States developed and, until recently, had an edge over any rivals in this important precision high-tech weapons system," he said. "For the better part of the last century, it has been technology which has helped give the U.S. superiority over potential foes. We are now having to play "catch-up," and this amendment was needed to help close the distance."

The money requested by Bishop would accelerate the development of an advanced supersonic cruise missile engine through the Air Force Research Laboratory, Propulsion Division, Turbine Engine Directorate.

Once the engine is fully qualified as combat ready, companies like Ogden's Williams International can begin work on follow-up systems and possibly a next generation cruise missile. Williams International builds the majority of the turbo-fan engines for cruise missiles today.

"Cruise missiles of various configurations have proven to be precision weapons of choice by battle planners in recent conflicts," Parker said. "Given emerging threats and recent announcements by Russia of their having developed a highly advanced and supersonic cruise missile design, the U.S. Air Force and Navy must initiate our next generation of supersonic advanced cruise missile and engines to meet these emerging threats."

Parker added that supersonic delivery of weapons with new advanced conventional warheads will greatly improve depth of penetration to reach buried and reinforced targets. "Currently we do not have this engine capability," he said.

Matheson requested $1.5 million for Ceramatec's pain therapy system, which may provide a better alternative for treating soldiers' chronic pain, and $2 million for EDO's Common Depth Sounder, a navigation system that can be installed on surface ships and submarines.