Washington, DC  -  A company in Alexander City could soon be on the cutting edge of military uniform research and development, Congressman Mike Rogers said today, as the House of Representatives passed a bill containing $1 million to create highly protective clothing for select members of the Air Force.

The funds, which appear in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2005, are earmarked for THY Enterprises in Alexander City. Rogers said the $1 million grant could help develop uniforms that more comfortably clothe members of the Air Force, and ultimately help protect our troops on the battlefield.

“We are a nation at war and it is essential our troops have the most advanced and protective uniforms available,” Rogers said. “I am pleased to have secured these funds, and am thrilled the people of Tallapoosa County could soon provide many members of our armed forces with safer and more protective clothing for use in combat.”

Rogers said the bill containing the funds passed the House today 403-17. The earmark would help the Alex City company develop more thermally efficient uniform materials, and hopefully solve existing problems associated with odor for combat personnel clothing.

The bill will now be sent to the Senate for passage, and then must be approved by both chambers again after completion of the bill’s Conference Report.