Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint announced Congress has approved more than $100 million in South Carolina related defense projects. The funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Appropriations Bill. The bill passed the Senate 93-0. “South Carolina is in the forefront of developing cutting-edge military technology and equipping our men and women in uniform,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Many people in our state give their time, talent, and even their lives to provide for the defense of freedom throughout the world. The patriotism of South Carolina is unmatched. This bill will ensure that America continues to have the best trained and equipped fighting force in history.” “This legislation recognizes South Carolina’s cutting edge research and development and equipment production capabilities,” said DeMint. “This bill will benefit our military and fund the equipment necessary to sustain our men and women in uniform. I am proud of the role South Carolina plays in defending our nation and keeping us safe.” Projects funded in the bill include: LOWCOUNTRY: * $27 million for the purchase of two C-17 Maintenance Training Systems produced in Summerville. * $3 million for the purchase of Quadruple Specialty Containers produced in Charleston. * $3 million for the development of the Joint Threat Warning System, an air communication surveillance system that provides direct warning to aircrafts operating over hostile territory, enhancing situational awareness and increasing aircrew survivability and the probability of mission success. Development is based in Charleston. * $2.25 million for the South Carolina Research Authority to support the Lean Munitions program in Charleston. Lean Munitions will result in ammunition being produced in a timelier and cost efficient manner. * $2 million for the development of an automated container and cargo handling system. The Autolog System will be able to transfer containers from ship-to-ship or ship-to-lighter/dock. Development is based in Charleston. * $2.7 million for the Critical Infrastructure Protection Center in Charleston. * $1.5 million for the development of vaccines for multivalent dengue viruses in Charleston. * $1 million for the additional SecureD real-time data encryption development, testing, and demonstration. UPSTATE: * $2 million to upgrade Combat Casualty Care Equipment, including personnel kits and on-board kits for tactical vehicles. The main production facility is located in Greenville. * $1.75 million for the South Carolina Research Authority to research and develop an active coating technology that adapts in real time to the surrounding situation and environment. The program will be based at Clemson University. * $1.75 million for development of the Advanced Warfighter Sustainment Systems for the 21st Century (AWSS-21). AWSS-21 will provide better packaged and more nutritious food to our soldiers in the field. Research is conducted at Clemson University and in Gray Court. MIDLANDS: * $4.5 million for the purchase of M249 SAW machine guns for the (Army or Marines) and $3.5 million for the (Army or Marines). The M249 is produced in Columbia. * $4 million for research and development of a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier for out-of-hospital resuscitation of patients with severe hemorrhagic shock. R&D will be done in Sumter. * $1.25 million for the University of South Carolina to conduct brain imaging and deception detection research. The focus of the research will measure brain wave activity and brain metabolism. PIEDMONT: * $5 million to purchase portable tent lighting produced in Clover. * $3.5 million for the purchase of All Terrain Military Utility Vehicles (M-Gator) for the Army National Guard. * $2.25 million for the development of high modulus carbon fibers in York. STATEWIDE * $24.5 million to support the Up-Armored HMMWV and Tactical Truck Crew Trainer Program in the Army National Guard. * $5 million for the purchase of All Terrain Military Utility Vehicles (M-Gator) for the Army. * $3.5 million for research and development of high temperature superconducting generators. Research is being conducted at the University of South Carolina and in Greenville. * $2.25 million for further deployment of the South Carolina Army National Guard’s Vibration Management Enhancement Program, a maintenance diagnostic system, on Guard helicopters. * $2.1 million for the development of an advanced electric drive system for military vehicles. Development is done at facilities throughout South Carolina. ####