Lima's Joint Systems Manufacturing Center gets one step closer to more funding.
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the 2013 Defense Appropriations Bill that includes $129 million for the modernization of the M1A2 Abrams Tank along with $165 million in upgrades. Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown who is a member of that senate committee pushed for the bill's passage to ensure stability at the plant.
The tank plants future has been in question since a cut in defense spending, but Senator Brown says he thinks the White House will make sure the tank plant gets the funds it needs to stay open.
The bill also included a 1.7 percent pay raise for military service members. It now goes to the full senate for approval.
