Washington, DC – Today, the Full House Armed Services Committee, passed H.R. 2647, which authorizes appropriations for FY2010 for military activities of the Department of Defense. The bill includes a request by Todd Akin (R-MO), ranking member on the House Armed Service’s Seapower Subcommittee, giving the Navy the authority for a multi-year procurement of the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

The provision authorizes the Department of Defense to enter into a multi-year procurement of F-18 Super Hornets and authorizes $108 million for advanced procurement to reduce the overall cost per aircraft in the fleet. A typical multi-year is for five years and represents roughly 150 aircraft.

Congressman Akin, who has been a fierce champion of the F/A-18 Super Hornet and who previously spearheaded the inclusion of Super Hornets into the fleet as the EA-18G "Growler," stated that he would continue to fight for the Super Hornet because of its tremendous contribution to national defense capabilities.

"My provision gives the Navy the rare authority for a multi-year purchase of Super Hornets, not only because of the remarkable strategic value of the F/A-18, but also because it is the most reasonable and effective answer to the Navy’s projected fighter shortfall for our aircraft carriers," said Akin.

Akin was, however, concerned about the lack of funding for missile defense in the measure. "Republicans offered a number of amendments to restore funding to missile defense, but the Democrat majority voted them down," stated Akin. "I am particularly concerned that we are cutting funds to our national missile defenses, which are critical in defending against the ICBM threat that North Korea is close to possessing."

"North Korea recently tested another nuclear bomb, and is preparing to attempt another ICBM launch," stated Akin. "We must continue to invest in our missile defense system, and not accept the cuts that President Obama has proposed."