Congressman Maurice Hinchey is hopeful funds for Lockheeds VH-71 Presidential Helicopter Program will clear Congress.

Earlier this week the Senate passed a Defense Authorization Bill, which didn't include money for the VH-71 Program.

But Hinchey was able to secure 485 millions dollars in funding in the Defense Appropriations Bill.

That's enough money to continue the program through Increment 1.

That appropriations bill is now in negotiations in the Senate.

The House and Senate Defense Committees are expected to meet in a couple weeks to decide whether to resume the program at Lockheed in Owego.

But, the President could still veto any bill.

"My inclination is to believe that it's not likely that the President would veto the Defense Appropriations Bill just because it has the VH-71 Helicopter in it, that wouldn't make any sense. So I think if we can pass it in the Congress, I think the President will sign it," says Hinchey.

The Pentagon canceled the helicopter replacement program this summer.

If the White House approves the program, Hinchey says it could restore hundreds of jobs at Lockheed Owego.