JUST PASSED: Defense Bill With Poliquin Amendment Protecting 600+ Jobs in Aroostook County, Support for BIW Shipbuilders

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) helped pass a major Defense bill, the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes his amendment that will help ensure the longevity of more than 600 jobs in Aroostook County and important support for the shipbuilders and projects at Bath Iron Works (BIW).

“America’s might around the world depends on our shipbuilders at BIW, and I’m extremely pleased this Defense bill will continue giving them the support to do their jobs in building the most modern ships on the planet,” said Congressman Poliquin. “One of my primary responsibilities in Congress is making sure our country, our communities and our families stay safe. This starts with ensuring our men and women in uniform have the best equipment, training and preparedness possible and I’m pleased this Defense bill will make sure that happens.

“In addition, I’m very pleased my amendment was included to support jobs in Maine. More than 600 of our hardworking Mainers in Aroostook County perform critical duties on behalf of our nation’s military, managing the finances of the Defense Department and also making sure our men and women in uniform collect their paychecks. I’m pleased to stand for these Maine workers to help ensure they can continue to do their jobs on behalf of our nation and our military.”

Congressman Poliquin spoke on the House Floor in support of his amendment:

Congressman Poliquin speaks on the House Floor about his amendment, which was added to the NDAA to protect 600 Defense jobs in Aroostook County.

The NDAA passed the House with broad, bipartisan support in a 351-66 vote. It will now go to the Senate for consideration.

Background on the Poliquin Amendment:

Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS), an agency within the Department of Defense, provides the important function of paying all men and women in our military and our defense contractors. Since 1991, DFAS has undergone consolidation that’s reduced their 300 office locations into now just 10 sites, including one site in Limestone, Maine that houses more than 600 hardworking Maine employees. The Poliquin Amendment, which was added to the NDAA unanimously, clarifies that Congress does not approve of and does not have the intention of eliminating any DFAS positions or locations, including the location and more than 600 jobs based in Limestone, Maine in Aroostook County.

DFAS was established in 1991 to centralize, strengthen and reduce costs associated with the financial management and operations within the Department of Defense. Prior, each military department had its own payment system. DFAS is not funded through appropriations, but rather financed by reimbursement of operating costs from its governmental customer.

Since its inception, DFAS has consolidated more than 300 installation-level finance and accounting offices into 10 sites, and reduced the work force from about 27,000 to about 13,000 personnel. The Poliquin Amendment certifies that it is not the intention of Congress to eliminate any further positions or locations, including the jobs and location based in Limestone.

The DFAS location in Limestone, Maine occupies the site of the former Loring Air Force Base and houses more than 600 jobs.