Utah gets funds from Defense Appropriations bill

WASHINGTON — Congress has finalized millions of federal dollars for Hill Air Force Base and an across-the-board military pay raise, in the Defense Appropriations bill.

The Senate unanimously approved the final version of the $448 billion Defense Appropriations bill Friday — including $70 billion more for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan — making it the first of 13 spending bills that will go to the White House for the president's signature. The House earlier this week approved the final version, which contained some slight changes for Utah projects than what was originally passed.

Congress is set to adjourn this week for a month-long recess prior to the Nov. 7 election. Members will finish up the remaining government spending when they return for the "lame-duck" session after the election.

The approved bill includes a 2.2 percent across-the-board pay raise for military personnel, according to Utah's congressional delegation.

"The passage of this bill comes at an important time, as our troops continue to fight the global war on terror," said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah. "The funds approved today will help fund key programs and provide the necessary supplies and equipment for their critical missions."

Bennett serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which writes all the spending bills for the Senate.

His office said the bill contained $9.75 million for the Up-Armored HMMWV/Tactical Truck Crew Trainer, a mobile, virtual convoy trainer that is designed for training Army National Guard soldiers for the current mission in the Middle East.

That funding is part of more than $14 million for training programs that will greatly benefit the Air National Guard, including soldiers in Utah, in preparing for wartime operations, Bennett's office said. Approximately, 500 Utah guardsmen are currently deployed overseas, mainly in the Middle East.

"Utah National guardsmen are among the many brave men and women who are sacrificing their lives to protect ours," Bennett said. "This funding will provide them with the training tools that will better prepare them when fighting terrorists who wish to do us harm."

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, worked to get $200 million for Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK) and the Ballistic Missile Defense program, particularly the Midcourse Defense Segment, which will help fund many jobs at ATK and the Ogden Air Logistics Center, according to his office.