The National Defense Authorization Act that passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday night included an amendment by 4th District U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman to fund approximately 20 additional Patriot Advanced Capability 3 Missile Section Enhancement surface-to-air missiles in fiscal 2017.
The propulsion system for the missile is produced in Westerman's district at the Aerojet Rocketdyne facility in Camden.
To pay for the missile program, Westerman took the money, $82.4 million, from the Atomic Energy Defense Activities, National Nuclear Security Administration, Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, Material Management and Minimization account.
Arguing for the amendment, Westerman said that the missiles had appeared on the "Army's unfunded request top priorities list."
The Hot Springs Republican described the weapon as "the world's most capable air and missile defense missile."
Opponents said it was unwise to shift the funds, insisting the money should be used to keep nuclear materials from falling into enemy hands. Taking the money for the missiles from the nuclear program "does leave us rather vulnerable to terrorism," warned U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif.
After brief debate, the House approved Westerman's motion on a voice vote. The Senate hasn't yet passed its version of the defense bill.