There are several amendments on the House Defense spending bill that is on the floor this morning. In addition to the important earmark amendments (there are 1116 earmarks worth $2.75 billion – so there is a lot of choices), there is an amendment to cut $80 million for the Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) – a missile defense project that was sliced from the budget by the Administration. Amid several Administration cuts in this area, this program was one of the few that was restored. Why is that? Hmmmm. Well, major work for the program is being done by Northrop Grumman (and subcontractor Raytheon) in Johnstown, PA - the home district of House Defense Appropriations Chairman Murtha (D-PA). But even more interestingly, a subcontractor on the KEI is none other than Kuchera Defense Systems, the company closely tied to Rep. Murtha that was raided by the FBI several months ago. Reps. Tierney (D-MA) and Holt (D-NJ) are offering an amendment today that would cut the funding for the KEI.
Some background materials:
Northrop Grumman 11/06 announcing Johnstown plans, indicated Kuchera/KEI tie: Press Release link
Murtha 11/07 press release announcing Kuchera’s contracts including KEI: Press Release link
Northrup Grumman release about partners, including Kuchera: Press Release link
Great Washington Post story today discussing several of the major weapons system restorations including KEI: Washington Post Story link
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