WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, on Monday introduced amendments to the FY 2019 Defense Appropriations bill to strengthen national security and support Connecticut manufacturing jobs. Murphy’s amendments increase research and development funding for Sikorsky helicopters and Pratt & Whitney jet engines and are fully paid for with cost savings elsewhere in the legislation. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) is a co-sponsor of Murphy’s amendments. The Senate is currently debating the defense funding legislation.

“I’m on the Appropriations Committee so I can help drive the funding priorities of Congress. Our manufacturers are working every single day to keep our country safe. I’ve traveled across the state to visit with big manufacturers like Sikorsky and Pratt and the hundreds of their smaller suppliers. This bill is already great for our state, making smart investments in our nation’s defense while supporting local jobs, but additional funding for research and development will make it even better,” said Murphy.

Specifically, Murphy introduced three amendments that:

  • Increase research and development funds for the Sikorsky-made CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters by $161 million
  • Increase research and development funds for the Sikorsky-made Combat Rescue Helicopter by $73 million
  • Increase research and development funding for Pratt and Whitney’s Advanced Engine Development/Adaptive Engine Transition Program by $139 million

Murphy is also a cosponsor of a bipartisan amendment led by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) to provide $20 million to assist with funding infrastructure projects near bases in military communities. Murphy has been working with the New London community to address housing and infrastructure needs around the sub base.

Earlier this month, Murphy voted for the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes defense funding FY 2019 Defense Appropriations bill.

 

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