Stimulus Bill Includes Military Construction Projects

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Feb. 10, 2009 - White House officials asked for a list of Defense Department programs that could be part of the $800 billion stimulus bill now under Senate consideration, defense officials said. The guideline was for projects that could "be started or accelerated within a matter of months," officials said.

The House of Representatives passed its version of the bill, which includes about $10.9 billion in defense-related spending, Jan. 28. The Senate version calls for $7.2 billion in defense spending. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure today.

Once the Senate passes its version, members of both houses of Congress will meet to reconcile the differences. President Barack Obama has asked Congress for a bill he can sign by the weekend.

Military construction projects make up most of the request, defense officials said. These include funding for medical clinics, child care and housing facilities for the troops, improvements to military bases' energy efficiency and research into renewable energy.

Pentagon officials said they welcome any funding that would help to improve the quality of life for servicemembers and their families.