Mike Michaud: “I want to give just one example why this investment is important to our Nation. The Module Ballistic Protection System…”

“I want to give just one example why this investment is important to our Nation. The Module Ballistic Protection System, developed at the University of Maine, is made of light, strong-as-metal wood composite panels that are inserted into tents to protect our soldiers over in Iraq and Afghanistan. This life-saving technology would not have been possible without the initial investment from the wood utilization funding. In fact, this funding spurred advances in many different industries. It creates jobs and, in some cases, it will save American lives. This funding benefits the entire Nation. I urge the rejection of the gentleman's amendment. I rise in strong opposition to the gentleman from Arizona's amendment. Investment in Wood Utilization Research at these locations including the University of Maine supports education and economic development across our country. The funding encourages students to pursue careers in advanced wood science and engineering at a time when international competition in these fields is growing. This type of research is important to a growing number of industrial applications and to our national economy. At U-Maine, every dollar appropriated to the Center generates an additional $7 in economic output. The research has promoted important advances in fields as diverse and important as biofuels and advanced wood composites.”