Downing Secures $20 Million Funding Request for Montana in Defense Appropriations Bill

July 18, 2025 Press Release Today, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) released a statement following passage of Republicans’ Department of Defense Appropriations bill which includes two amendments sponsored by Congressman Downing. “We owe it to our men and women in uniform to provide our military with the tools it needs to deliver peace through strength,” said Congressman Downing . “I am proud to have passed two amendments that invest $20 million in Montana to bolster U.S. national security included in this legislation.” Congressman Downing’s Amendments Include: Amendment No. 71 – Increases and decreases funding for Army RDT&E, Program Element 0602144A, line item 11, by $10 million to support the development of rare earth element and critical minerals extraction demonstration for Army ground technology applications. Amendment No. 72 – Increases funding for Defense-wide RDT&E, Program Element 0607210D8Z, line item 214, Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support, by $10 million for pre-feasibility support for critical mineral extraction, including resource expansion drilling, engineering, economic and metallurgical studies, for platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, cobalt, and other critical minerals. These funds are offset from Defense-wide Operations and Maintenance. ### Issues : Congress Veterans