|
For Immediate Release |
Contact: Jeff Billington |
Congresswoman Richardson Is Instrumental in Winning Authorization for Port Infrastructure Development Program and Preserving Congressional Interest for C-17 Air TransportHouse Passes Defense Authorization Act 281-146, Richardson Selected by Speaker as Member of Conference that Reconciled Difference with Senate |
|
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Richardson applauded the action taken on October 8 by the U.S. House of Representatives to protect our troops, our nation and our way of life by passing the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (DOD Act). The DOD Act, which at $679.8 billion is one of the most vital bills passed annually by Congress, authorizes troop levels, weapons systems, and sets policy and Congressional interest with respect to each branch of the armed services. After forceful and compelling floor statements by Congresswoman Richardson and others, the DOD Act was passed in the House by a vote of 281 to 146. It now goes to the Senate for its approval and then to President Obama for his signature. “Through this defense authorization, the Congress restores and enhances the readiness of our troops, equipment and defense infrastructure; and provides housing assistance and enhances the quality of life for military personnel and their families. We also authorize needed infrastructure and security investments to keep our nation strong, safe and respected in the world,” Congresswoman Richardson said. “In California’s 37th Congressional District, the impact of the DOD Act will be seen firsthand by its provisions for increasing pay for our service men and women, improving facilities and strengthening the security and infrastructure of our ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which are linchpins of our economy and one of the nation’s strategic assets.”
Earlier that week, Congresswoman Richardson was appointed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-8) to the DOD Act conference committee, comprised of members from the House and Senate who are responsible for reconciling differences in the versions approved by each chamber. It is rare for a junior member to be selected for such a prestigious and important assignment, but Transportation and Infrastructure Chair James Oberstar (MN-8) recommended Congresswoman Richardson be appointed a conferee because she has proven herself to be a hard worker who does her homework. In addition, Chairman Oberstar said “her intelligent and insightful questioning of witnesses has been a great asset at Committee hearings. I am pleased she was able to represent the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure at this important conference.
“It is important to me and my district (both residents and businesses) to work with the conference committee and make sure the needs of our service personnel, port infrastructure and security are met,” Congresswoman Richardson added. “Ports are a vital component of our economy and should be included in million dollar investments. After all we cannot forget the role of ports is to connect the forts. That is why I was committed to ensuring that the final defense bill contained a port infrastructure development program to ensure that the infrastructure surrounding ports, like the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles, is second to none.”
Congresswoman Richardson is a Democrat from California’s 37th Congressional District. She is a member of the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security. Her district includes Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrook and Signal Hill.
### |
