Congressman Cole's Request Puts NLOS-C on Fast Track

Washington, D.C. – A request by Congressman Tom Cole to split the non-line-of-site cannon (NLOS-C) from the development track of the Future Combat Systems (FCS) was included in the 2006 Defense Authorization bill reported out of an Armed Services subcommittee mark up today. This technical change will ensure full funding for NLOS-C and put it on a faster track than other man ground vehicles.

"The Tactical Air and Land Subcommittee voted today to include several provisions that will protect the non-line-of-site cannon, including a $50 million increase in funding for NLOS-C over the President's request. The bill ensures that NLOS-C will provide the proper fire power required for the vehicle and will be a powerful and dominant weapon on the battlefield for the Army for many years," Congressman Cole said. "I am very pleased that the subcommittee is moving forward with the non-line-of-site cannon. This vehicle is important to the Army and could be great economic boost to Elgin, where it may be produced."

Congressman Cole along with two other Rules Committee members met with Armed Services Chairman Duncan Hunter on Thursday, May 5. As point person on Rules Committee for all defense issues, Congressman Cole has been working with the Armed Services Committee, especially Chairman Hunter, in the drafting process of the Defense Authorization in order to help craft the best piece of legislation that will be able to pass through Rules Committee and on the House floor.

In this meeting and in a formal letter, Congressman Cole requested that non-line-of-site cannon be split from the Future Combat Systems into a separate development path. It will also include provisions to maintain objective lethality and survivability requirements and it states that NLOS-C should not be compromised to meet weight requirements of the FCS vehicles.

Congressman Cole has also requested that during full committee mark up that NLOS-C be funded at $50 million over the Presidents request of $108 million. The Armed Services Committee will be marking up the Defense Authorization bill the week of May 16th.

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