Final 2007 Defense Budget Includes Major Funding For Oregon-Based Organizations

Washington, DC - The House of Representatives approved legislation late last night that includes more than $11 million for several Oregon-based organizations, including HemCon, Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI), Northwest Marine, and the Manufacturing 21 Coalition. The funding was requested by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), along with several other members of the Oregon Congressional delegation, and included in H.R. 5631, the Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2007 Appropriations bill.

“This bill contains funding for some very inventive programs and industries that are vital to strengthening our national security and military preparedness,” Blumenauer said.  “From this we can ensure that the inventive and cost-effective solutions generated in Oregon contribute to our national defense strategy.”

The measure was approved by a vote of 394-22, and now awaits final action by the Senate expected later this week.  Following the Senate vote, it will be sent to the President for his signature.  Projects requested by Blumenauer included in H.R. 5631:

Northwest Manufacturing Initiative (Oregon Economic and Community Development) - $2.5 million
This state-wide effort, promoted by industry and the Governor, is designed to strengthen Oregon's defense manufacturing sector through R&D, worker training, new manufacturing techniques, and building the capacity of small businesses to participate in the defense marketplace. This was a particular priority for Congressman Blumenauer because it invests in building an economy that works for all Oregonians while, at the same time, improving the environmental performance of defense products.
 
Nanoelectronics and Nanometrology Initiative (Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute) - $2.5 million
Nanometrology is the science of imaging and measuring the properties of nanoscale materials and devices. This partnership between industry, federal research institutions, and Oregon universities, including Portland State University, invests in economic development in Oregon’s Silicon Forest cluster and across the state by supporting research in nanometrology, nanodevices, and circuits that enable the application of nanoscale materials into useful electronic defense and commercial applications.
 
Chitosan Hemmorrhage Control Dressing (HemCon Inc.) - $1.4 million
The HemCon Bandage is known for its ability to stop bleeding and prevent infection. It was developed for the Army to treat severe bleeding resulting from combat injuries. The Army Surgeon General has requested that every soldier deployed to a combat zone carry a HemCon Bandage in his or her first-aid kit.
 
Barrier Boat Craft (Northwest Marine) - $2.2 million
As demonstrated by the attack on the USS Cole, United States warships are vulnerable to attack from small, fast moving boats while in port. These barrier boats will provide protection to U.S. naval ships in port.
 
Future Medical Shelter System (Silver Eagle Manufacturing) - $195,000
The Future Medical Shelter System is a next-generation mobile field hospital. Its platform is a trailer built by Silver Eagle Manufacturing of Portland.
 
Brain, Biology, and Machine Initiative (University of Oregon) - $2.5 million
The Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative (BBMI) supports research related to cognition, neuroscience, genetics research, and informatics.  This research has already led to