WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Mike Turner said Wednesday that provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act will be vital for Southwest Ohio.
The bill includes language to bolster cooperation between government agencies in the development of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), promoting and expanding the educational opportunities at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), and continued funding for the Lima Tank Plant.
âThe FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act builds upon the progress Southwest Ohio has made in terms of being a leader in the development and education of our servicemembers, and the supporting industry," Turner said. "I am proud to report that the final bill expands cooperation for Unmanned Aerial Systems amongst government agencies. This will be key for Ohio, as we are competing for a UAS test range.â
The following provisions were included in the conference report of the FY13 NDAA:
Unmanned Aerial Systems Cooperation & Integration
Language was included to promote collaboration between Government agencies on Unmanned Aerial Systems. Specifically, the section requires scientific and technical personnel collaboration and sharing resources from the Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This language advances the goal of access to unmanned aircraft systems of the Department of Defense to the National Airspace System.
Reviewing and Promoting the Educational Opportunities at AFIT
A provision aimed at promoting the need and existence of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) for continuing military education. The provision directs the Secretary of Defense to establish an agreement with the National Research Council to complete a review Defense Department specialized degree-granting graduate programs in engineering, science and management.
Expanding the Opportunity for Education at AFIT
Expands the opportunities for defense industry employees to attend AFIT, by allowing contractor to fill student slots that otherwise would have gone unfilled. Attendees will be required to pay their expenses, adding to AFITâs revenues. It will also aid contractors by giving them access to AFITâs defense-related programs. This is an opportunity to expand the reach of AFIT.
Funding for the Lima Tank Plant
In recognition of the plantâs unique capability as our nationâs only production and maintenance facility for the M1A1 and M1A2 tanks, the conference committee included $136 million to fund upgrades to the main battle tanks through 2014. This funding ensures the plant will stay open during that time, and will be available for work on tanks sold to our allies around the world. Turner worked with his fellow subcommittee members to include the funding in the House version of the NDAA approved earlier this year.
The bill includes language to bolster cooperation between government agencies in the development of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), promoting and expanding the educational opportunities at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), and continued funding for the Lima Tank Plant.
âThe FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act builds upon the progress Southwest Ohio has made in terms of being a leader in the development and education of our servicemembers, and the supporting industry," Turner said. "I am proud to report that the final bill expands cooperation for Unmanned Aerial Systems amongst government agencies. This will be key for Ohio, as we are competing for a UAS test range.â
The following provisions were included in the conference report of the FY13 NDAA:
Unmanned Aerial Systems Cooperation & Integration
Language was included to promote collaboration between Government agencies on Unmanned Aerial Systems. Specifically, the section requires scientific and technical personnel collaboration and sharing resources from the Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This language advances the goal of access to unmanned aircraft systems of the Department of Defense to the National Airspace System.
Reviewing and Promoting the Educational Opportunities at AFIT
A provision aimed at promoting the need and existence of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) for continuing military education. The provision directs the Secretary of Defense to establish an agreement with the National Research Council to complete a review Defense Department specialized degree-granting graduate programs in engineering, science and management.
Expanding the Opportunity for Education at AFIT
Expands the opportunities for defense industry employees to attend AFIT, by allowing contractor to fill student slots that otherwise would have gone unfilled. Attendees will be required to pay their expenses, adding to AFITâs revenues. It will also aid contractors by giving them access to AFITâs defense-related programs. This is an opportunity to expand the reach of AFIT.
Funding for the Lima Tank Plant
In recognition of the plantâs unique capability as our nationâs only production and maintenance facility for the M1A1 and M1A2 tanks, the conference committee included $136 million to fund upgrades to the main battle tanks through 2014. This funding ensures the plant will stay open during that time, and will be available for work on tanks sold to our allies around the world. Turner worked with his fellow subcommittee members to include the funding in the House version of the NDAA approved earlier this year.