Washington, D.C. - In response to Rep. Rick Larsen’s (WA-02) urging and support, local businesses will likely see millions in defense funding that was included in the defense appropriations bill. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill today. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

“This is a win-win situation for our local communities and our national security,” Larsen said. “These local businesses offer unique services that strengthen our defenses and these funds provide vital economic and job growth opportunities in our communities.”

The Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (H.R. 2863) includes funding for programs that could benefit Intermec Technologies Corp (Everett, WA), CombiMatrix Corp. (Mukilteo, WA) and Mustang Survival (Bellingham, WA). 

Intermec Corp. should receive a portion of $2 million the bill allocates for the Navy’s Serial Number Tracking System, cutting-edge technology designed to allow Web-based, “cradle-to-grave” tracking of individual aircraft components.  Intermec has championed this technology.

Larsen explained, “The Serial Number Tracking System is helping to reduce overall maintenance and supply costs and to improve military readiness.” 

CombiMatrix should see funding from the $2 million included in the bill for a Immunochemical Biological/Chemical Agent Detection System.

“CombiMatrix is making our troops safer by developing an accurate and rapid sensor system to alert them when biological or chemical threats are near,” Larsen said.

Mustang Survival should receive $2.1 million for further Research and Development of the Anti-Gravity garment.

For over thirty years, the Air Force has used Anti-Gravity garments to protect aircrews in high-speed fighter aircraft from the physiological effects of acceleration and maneuver-induced ‘G’ forces that quickly diminish pilots’ performance and can lead to ‘G’ induced loss of consciousness. Mustang Survival has engineered and manufactured an Anti-G suit that the Department of Defense currently uses.

“This funding will help Mustang Survival continue researching and developing better methods to keep our pilots and aircrews safe,” Larsen said. “This is critical work. I’m proud to have a local company leading this effort.”

Larsen also worked to secure funds for Prowler upgrades and for the purchase of EA-18G planes to replace the aging Prowlers.

Specifically, the bill includes $123.6 million for ICAP-III and other electronic warfare technologies, representing the first significant upgrade to the EA-6B Prowler’s electronic warfare mission system in over 22 years.  These upgrades are critical to preserving American air superiority over potential threats and will be “go/no go” criteria for U.S. and Coalition air operations. 

The bill also includes $310 million to purchase four EA-18G planes to replace the again Prowler.

“It is time for the next generation of electronic warfare to take the skies,” Larsen said. “These funds will get us started. I will continue working to support this critical military asset and make sure that its home will be Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.”

Larsen serves on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.