Senate defense bill includes billions of dollars for Conn. firms

[Ian David]

Senate defense bill includes billions of dollars for Conn. firms

By Andrew Miga, Associated Press Writer | November 16, 2005

WASHINGTON --Connecticut companies stand to gain billions of dollars for military projects -- including submarines, jet engines and helicopters -- in the massive new defense bill approved by the Senate on Wednesday.

"This defense measure is a step in the right direction," said Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn. "It lays out a blueprint to help ensure that our nation remains strong in a very dangerous world. I'm particularly proud that Connecticut workers -- as they have in the past -- continue to play a vital role in our national defense."
The Defense Authorization Bill which the Senate passed includes funding that goes beyond President Bush's initial military budget.

The measure includes $30 million in additional spending for submarine research that would benefit Groton-based Electric Boat, according to an analysis provided by Dodd's office.

Dodd and Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., were successful in inserting an amendment for 42 additional C-17 cargo planes over the next four years, a major increase from Bush's spending plan, according to Dodd's office. East Hartford-based Pratt and Whitney makes engines for the C-17.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, would see an increase of at least five helicopters from Bush's original spending proposal. Sikorsky stands to benefit from two major contracts: $582 million to build 43 Blackhawk helicopters and $1.1 billion to produce 38 Navy versions of the Blackhawk.

There was also $4 million in new spending for helicopter safety systems made by Goodrich for the Army's helicopter fleet.

Most of the other big-ticket spending for Connecticut-made products in the defense bill had been included in the Bush budget, including $2.4 billion for Electric Boat to help produce a Virginia-class submarine.

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