WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, has been appointed a conferee to the Defense Authorization Conference Committee.

In that role, Bishop will assist in leading negotiations with the U.S. Senate to determine the final outcome of the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act. It’s his first appointment on the committee.

He said the defense bill “acutely impacts Utah’s economy as well as the current and long-term security of the U.S.”

Among issues that may be addressed by the committee are cuts in missile defense programs, which will lead to significant job loss throughout the state; anticipated inclusion of language that would create an aircraft drawdown plan by the Air Force. This could include eliminating one squadron of F-16s at the 388th Fighter Wing at HAFB.

Continued funding for the F-35 jet fighter, as well as whether or not funding will be provided for a second engine provider for the aircraft also could be among discussion items.

Bishop’s district includes nearly all Utah defense installations, including not only Hill AFB but Tooele Army Depot and the U.S. Dugway Proving Grounds.

tbusselberg@davisclipper.com