Faso Votes to Fund Troops and Increase Medical Research
Provides More Funding for Lyme Disease Research
Washington D.C. – Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) today voted in support of H.R. 6157 – Department of Defense Appropriations Act. The legislation funds the U.S. Department of Defense, including operations, readiness, quality of life programs for troops and their families, and medical research for fiscal year 2019. The bill passed Committee by a vote of 48—4 and the House floor by a vote of 359—49.
“This legislation provides the necessary funding to ensure our troops have the resources they need to protect our nation and improve our military readiness. This bill also contains valuable resources that I advocated for that will fund further research of Lyme Disease and other Tick-Borne illnesses,” said Faso. “I have long prioritized rebuilding the military and this legislation is another step in improving our military readiness, supporting military families, and advanced lifesaving medical research. I was proud to vote for this bill, and continue to responsibly fund our government.”
This is the fourth appropriations bill to pass the House after three were packaged together a couple of weeks ago.
Highlights and Faso Requests Included:
- 2.6% pay increase for the troops.
- Robust funding for Operations and Maintenance to address readiness and upkeep of the craft, equipment, and facilities operated by our soldiers.
- Adequate resources to defeat ISIS and support the defense of our allies such as Israel.
- $5 million Appropriated to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program for research of Tick-Borne Diseases at the Department of Defense.
- In addition to continued strong research funding on prostate cancer, breast cancer, brain injury, and other critical medical issues.
- Procurement of 58 UH-60M Black Hawks helicopters and designating fifteen Black Hawks for the Army Guard.
- In April 2018 Rep. Faso toured Ducommun AeroStructures, which employs 240 in Coxsackie, NY and manufactures key systems used in Black Hawks.
- Funding for 93 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters
- Sidney, NY-based Amphenol Aerospace is made up of more approximately 1,000 employees and serves as a major supplier of advanced parts.
