Congressman Cole Votes for America's, Oklahoma's Priorities in Spending Bill

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Cole voted today in favor of a responsible plan that funds America's priorities for 2004 while providing for key education, health and security initiatives. The Conference Report on H.R. 2673, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY2004 also funds key Oklahoma projects like the Phased Array Radar, medical research at the University of Oklahoma and transportation projects around the state.

"Congress has identified the top priorities that will strengthen our country, and with only a 3% increase in spending over last year, I am pleased to have had a hand in passing this reasonable, responsible plan," Congressman Cole said. "I am also pleased that we were able to bring some funds back to Oklahoma for local projects."

This legislation will provide over one million dollars for the Phased Array Radar that is the centerpiece of the National Weather Radar Testbed located in Norman, OK. The Phased Array Radar is expected to double the lead-time for tornado and severe weather warnings to the public.

"The development of this technology is especially important to our state, which has seen the devastation of many severe weather storms. Phased array technology will enhance our understanding of these storms, in turn leading to improved computer models, more accurate forecasts and much earlier warnings," Congressman Cole said. "Although severe weather, especially tornados, seem uncontrollable, with better understanding we can save lives and assets of those in a storms path."

To fund important medical research at the University of Oklahoma, Congressman Tom Cole worked to insert $300,000 for The Biomedical Research Center and $400,000 for the Center for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Countermeasures.

"The research centers at the University of Oklahoma are on the forefront of medical research," Congressman Tom Cole said. "These funds are important to conduct research on emerging infectious diseases and biodefense methods in the case of a homeland security threat."

The University of Oklahoma's Center for Structural Control will receive $3,000,000 for the research and development of intelligent infrastructure technologies.

"Because 64% of Oklahoma's steel bridges are deemed structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, it is important to fund this research now in order to create cost-effective ways to improve Oklahoma's bridge conditions," Congressman Tom Cole said.

Congressman Cole worked with the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation to secure $6 million for the Job Access and Reverse Commute program and $6.25 million for the rehabilitation of buses and bus facilities statewide.

"Upgrades to our transportation system are vital as we are looking forward to a growing economy. Reliable, accessible public transportation is the key to helping everyone that wants a job get and keep a job," Congressman Tom Cole said.

The Conference Report on H.R. 2673, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY2004 must now be agreed to by the Senate.

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