A Blog Called Hope

Rep. Patrick Kennedy is announcing funding for U.S. Army vehicles.

Kennedy’s office says he secured a $2.5 million appropriation for the project. He’ll announce the funding at a news conference Tuesday morning in Warren.

The funds will be used in a partnership between TPI Composites, a maker of composite structures, and the Volvo Group.

TPI will create composite cabs that can be used inside Army vehicles and also as commercial sleeping cabs for truckers.

Kennedy says the funding will improve Rhode Island’s defense industry and equip the Army with a product that could save lives. (News 10).

Here is a portion of Congressman Kennedy’s press release from today:

Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy will vote in support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Authorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 6063) today on the House floor. The bill authorizes appropriations to NASA for the fiscal year of 2009.

“Ever since President Kennedy issued his historic challenge 47 years ago, the space program has captured the attention of the American people, created entire generations of scientists, researchers and astronauts, and paved the way for scientific breakthroughs here on Earth. It is appropriate that this legislation will carry us through the 40^th anniversary of the moon landing. We need to adequately support NASA’s programs that encourage research and nationwide participation in experiments which collect valuable medical and scientific data. We should also continue to fund educational programs, such as the enormously successful Space Grant program, which bring the excitement of space into schools across the nation, encouraging a new generation of researchers and astronauts,” adds Kennedy.

The NASA Authorization Act of 2008 approves funds to be used for science, aeronautics, exploration, education, space operations, cross-agency support programs, and the inspector general.

Today, Congressman Kennedy (D-RI) voiced his support for a bill that would extend unemployment compensation for roughly four million citizens.

Here is a glimpse of the press release from Congressman Kennedy’s office:

Congressman Patrick Kennedy today announced his support for H.R. 5749, the Emergency Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2008, which is being considered today by the House of Representatives. The legislation, effective through March of 2009, will offer much needed relief to 3.8 [million] unemployed workers. It will immediately provide up to 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits in every state to workers exhausting the 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. The additional benefits would be paid for out of the federal unemployment compensation trust fund.

“Rhode Island has an unemployment rate that ranks the highest in New England and among the highest in the country. Rhode Islanders are suffering, and unfortunately it looks like our national economy may get worse before it gets better. We cannot lose sight of the fact that our current economic woes are affecting people in profound ways. In addition to providing an additional safety net to help out-of-work Rhode Islanders through our current economic downturn, this legislation will bolster our economy by putting money directly into the hands of consumers, offering some assistance with cost of living expenses,” said Congressman Patrick Kennedy.

On Sunday night, over 100 Democrats from Rhode Island came together for the 2008 State Committee Meeting in West Warwick. The members endorsed Barack Obama for President, Senator Reed for U.S. Senate, and Congressmen Langevin and Kennedy as U.S. Representatives.

Below are some highlights from the meeting.

Senator Whitehouse

Senator Reed

Attorney General Lynch

Congressman Langevin

Congressman Kennedy