President signs off on Cannon funding

On Monday The FY2008 emergency supplemental bill containing $162 billion, with key funding for Cannon Air Force Base was signed into law by President Bush.

According to press releases from Senators Pete Domenici, R-N.M. and Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., the bill will primarily fund operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but it contains funding to purchase five MC-130J Combat Talon II and five CV-22s headed for Cannon.

“This funding is vital to keeping Cannon Air Force Base in top-shape and is a great investment in our country’s defense installations,” Bingaman said.

The Senate’s initial bill also included $8 million for construction of a childcare facility at Cannon. Although the final bill does not specify the individual project, Domenici is hopeful it will be approved.

“I believe there is a very good chance we will get this new construction,” Domenici said.

The bill also updates the G.I. Bill education benefits program for veterans.