[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 85 (Thursday, May 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1033]]
                          EARMARK DECLARATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, consistent with the Republican 
Leadership's policy on earmarks, I am placing this statement in the 
Congressional Record.
  Requesting Member: Rep. Elton Gallegly.
  Bill: H.R. 5658, The Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act 
for FY 2009.
  Account: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, NAVY.
  Requesting Entity: MBDA, Incorporated.
  Address: 5701 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA 91362.
  Description of project: It is my understanding that this funding will 
be used for Phase II of a program to assist the U.S. Navy to develop 
innovative missile solutions for an Affordable Weapon System (AWS) 
capable of operating from ships. The Navy is looking for an AWS that 
can kill a variety of targets including mobile targets, time critical 
targets, and targets of opportunity such as terrorist leadership 
meeting facilities, mobile missile launchers, and weapons caches. In 
concept, AWS will defeat targets at stand-off ranges, rapidly 
completing the engagement phase by having the capability to loiter in a 
target area.
  The $5.8 million increase in this account for Phase II will be 
divided into two tasks. The funding approximately will be spent as 
follows: The first task will be used to determine the best materials 
for use in the AWS. This includes trade studies ($600,000), hardware 
bench tests ($900,000), and deployment tests ($1,300,000). The second 
task will perform a feasibility study on the technical baseline being 
delivered within the stated time frame ($1,300,000). An additional 
$1,300,000 will be used for program management and oversight by Naval 
Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).
  The intent of this program is to develop a low-cost, disposable 
weapon capable of being launched from U.S. Naval vessels. But it 
provides an additional benefit for my Congressional district and the 
state of California. Since 1986, the employment of high-technology 
aerospace professionals in California has declined dramatically because 
of the reduction in California-based aerospace programs and companies. 
This decline in the employment had a ripple-effect throughout the State 
and has lowered associated markets in employment, goods and services. A 
production contract award will bring 200 professional aerospace 
employees to the company and add significantly to the California base 
of aerospace professionals and aerospace production. MBDA has already 
increased its skilled work force by 10 percent due to the Phase I 
contract. Support for this program will work toward reversing this 
trend in California.

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