Washington, DC  -  A company in Auburn could soon be providing members of the military with stronger and more compact batteries for use in combat, Congressman Mike Rogers said today, as the House of Representatives passed a bill containing $1 million for research and development in extended life military batteries.

The funds, which appear in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2005, are earmarked for Electric Fuel in Auburn. Rogers said the $1 million grant could help protect our troops during challenging combat conditions.

“In times of war, technological advancements like these could help ensure even greater success for our troops in battle,” Rogers said. “It is essential we provide our armed forces the most advanced technologies available, and I am pleased to have helped secure these funds.”

Rogers said the bill containing the funds passed the House today 403-17. The earmark would help the Auburn company develop not only smaller and more efficient batteries, but more environmentally friendly power sources, Rogers added.

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.