Congressman Kim Delivers Critical Funding, Jobs to New Jersey

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) secured more than $40 million in funding for a critical U.S. Navy weapons system that will bring additional jobs to New Jersey. The funding was approved through an amendment as part of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act markup, which is expected to be voted on by the full House next month

“This funding is a win-win for our community and our country,” said Congressman Kim. “I’m proud to support this system that will keep our servicemembers safe and that will bring new and important investment and jobs to New Jersey.”

HELIOS, or the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler & Surveillance system, is a laser weapons system used on U.S. Naval vessels to increase ship lethality and protect servicemembers at sea. The HELIOS program is integrated into the Navy’s Aegis Program at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Moorestown, NJ.

“Lockheed Martin sincerely appreciates the support of the House Armed Services Committee in providing the Navy Fleet the capabilities it needs to maintain a technological edge over our adversaries,” said Jim Sheridan, General Manager, Lockheed Martin, Moorestown, NJ.  “The additional funding provided by the Committee, via the strong support of those such as Rep. Andy Kim, will allow the Navy to move forward with the fielding of multiple high energy laser and surveillance systems, which will benefit not only the warfighter, but a highly specialized industrial base.  The employees of Lockheed Martin in Moorestown, N.J., are proud to be the first to integrate this new technology into the Aegis combat system and onto the Navy’s DDG 51 class destroyers, carrying on a 50-year legacy in the Aegis program and securing a skilled defense and aerospace workforce in southern New Jersey for years to come.”

If passed into law, the funding will help secure as many as 70 good-paying jobs in Burlington County.

“This funding and the jobs it will help bring is great news for our community,” said Moorestown Mayor Lisa Petriello. “I want to thank Congressman Kim for his effort and his partnership in bringing resources to make Moorestown a great place to live and raise a family.”

Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness, which oversees military construction, training and the BRAC process.

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