Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined colleagues and voted in favor of Omnibus Conference Report on H.R. 3043 -- 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations that passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 269-142 late last night. The bill provides federal funding for several Idaho Projects including Mt. Home Air Force Base Logistics Readiness Center. Simpson is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and was appointed as a conferee to final negotiations on the bill.

In 1999, the existing Logistic Supply Center was condemned and for the past 8 years, 60% of the base supply function has been operating on a temporary basis. After the building was deemed no longer usable, the former commissary along with 8 other buildings have been fulfilling the role this building once performed. By not having the operations in one place it has created significant delays in troop and equipment mobilization.

"Mt Home Air Force Base is vital to our military and they have had to be resourceful for too long. In September, the roof of the old Commissary building collapsed making their temporary structure unusable not to mention unsafe," said Simpson. "Funding for this is a top priority for me and I’m grateful for the progress we’ve made."

Secretary Robert Gates recently named MHAFB as the Air Force’s best installation and awarded it the 2007 Commander-in-Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence. Both the existing Center and its temporary location are now condemned and pose serious safety hazards. The lack of facility creates significant delays in troop and equipment mobilization and poses serious challenges to the mission readiness capabilities of the installation.

"The 366 Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base appreciates the tremendous support from Congressman Simpson and the entire Idaho Congressional Delegation. The $1.6 million in design funding for a new Logistics Readiness Center will help us resolve our Wing's #1 mission facility requirement," said Col. James Browne, Commander, 366th Fighter Wing. "The state of the art design will assist us in building a new $17.2 million dollar, 94,000 SF facility directly supporting our wartime mobility functions, and in providing critical support to the Combatant Commander's continued fight in the Global War on Terror."

The Senate is scheduled to consider the Omnibus Conference Report later this week.