(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Corrine Brown made the following statement:

"I am pleased to announce that the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 was brought before the House Committee on Rules tonight for debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday.

I was informed personally by the Chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services, Ike Skelton, that included in this bill is funding for dredging the St. Johns River at Mayport Naval Station.

The Navy and the President have determined that part of the national security mission of our armed forces includes making the harbor at Mayport Naval Station suitable for all the ships in our fleet.  This is a key military construction and force protection project.

I am pleased at the support of the entire Florida delegation for working in a bipartisan matter to support the men and women of our military who, every day and every night, protect the freedoms we hold so dear.  Congress determined the mission and it is up to us to make sure our soldiers have the proper resources to carry out that mission."

###