Wes Hickman (Graham) or Ilene Zeldin (Hollings)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Fritz Hollings and Lindsey Graham secured $179 million in funds for defense work in South Carolina, as part of the 2005 Department of Defense Appropriations bill that today unanimously passed the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration. The money will fund 32 projects throughout the state, including projects at the University of South Carolina and Clemson, the South Carolina National Guard, several defense contractors, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR) in Charleston. “This money will give researchers in our state the tools to build the best system in the world to defend our nation,” Sen. Hollings said. “We’ll be doing cutting edge research to support our troops, to fight terrorism, and to bring medical developments that will not only help troops, but can benefit everyone.” Sen. Hollings made funding for special projects at SPAWAR for warfare modeling and battlefield simulation a priority this year. “South Carolina is in the forefront developing cutting-edge military technology and equipping our men and women in uniform,” said Sen. Graham. “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.” "These projects will help ensure that America continues to have the best trained and best equipped fighting force in history,” said Sen. Graham. ####