The measure, which provides $453.5 billion for the Department of Defense and defense-related programs, funds priorities such as Project Athena, a coastal surveillance and maritime security demonstration project being developed by Raytheon in Portsmouth, as well as new submarine technology initiatives at Electric Boat.

H.R. 2863 recognizes the commitment of those serving in the military by providing much-needed assistance to them and their families. The bill includes a pay raise of 3.1 percent for military, increases survivor benefits for the families of deceased military personnel from $12,000 to $100,000, and increases the maximum amount of coverage available under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program to $400,000, from $250,000.

The legislation also contains $50 billion in supplemental funding to provide force protection equipment, such as up-armored Humvees and jammers for improvised explosive devices, to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as to replace equipment that has been degraded by the high operations tempo.

“Though the military has accomplished a great deal with what they have, we have clear indications that we are wearing down our equipment, perhaps faster than we can replace it,” said Langevin.

“However, this legislation is not perfect,” said Langevin. “I am deeply concerned that H.R. 2863 permits drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Republicans attached this provision, which Congress has consistently been unable to pass due to widespread public opposition, to essential legislation needed to keep our troops well-equipped and protected. I have opposed drilling in this environmentally fragile area, and I will continue those efforts when Congress returns.”

The following are a list of projects included in the FY2006 Defense Appropriations Act that will impact Rhode Island's defense industry:

The U.S. Senate is scheduled to consider the Defense Appropriations Act this week. There may still be changes on the funding and projects listed above Prior to considering this measure Monday morning, the House passed H.R. 1815, the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006. The bill contained language affirming Congressional support of the VIRGINIA-class submarine and directing the Navy to initiate a program to improve future submarine technology in a cost-effective manner.