WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today said he was pleased Congress has given final passage to a bill that contains key funding for Cannon Air Force Base.  The bill can now be sent to President Bush for signature. 

Bingaman reported that the bill, which primarily funds operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, contains $364 million to purchase seven MC-130J model Combat Talon II, five of which will be headed to Cannon.  It also sets aside enough funding for five CV-22s for Cannon; each will cost in excess $80 million.  And the measure contains $8 million for construction of a childcare facility, which is critically important to the quality of life for families at the base.

“Cannon Air Force Base is getting the funding it needs to continue with necessary upgrades,” Bingaman said.  

Bingaman had urged his Democratic colleagues who serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee to support Cannon by including this funding.