Dreier Votes to Strengthen National Defense

May 10, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted early this morning to strengthen our nation’s military and better support our men and women in uniform as they wage the war against global terror. The Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003, H.R. 4546, was approved early today with wide bipartisan support, 359-58.

“The largest increase in military manpower since 1986 and spending since 1966 is absolutely necessary as we continue to fight the first war of the twenty first century,” said Dreier. “This legislation also improves the way the military does business by reforming procurement and deployment procedures. Key programs have received additional resources, and America’s soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are receiving a well deserved pay raise so they can better support their families as they fight to defend our freedom.”

Highlights of H.R. 4546 include:

• Supports the President’s request for $7.3 billion to combat terrorism;
• Supports the President’s Ballistic Missile Defense program by authorizing $7.8 billion;
• Provides a 4.1 percent military pay raise, with larger pay increases for mid-grade and senior noncommissioned officers and mid-grade officers;
• Authorizes $1.6 billion for Department of Defense (DOD) dependent schools, which educate more than 100,000 military children each year; and,
• Demonstrates the U.S. military’s commitment to protecting the environment by authorizing $4 billion for DOD environmental programs.

Dreier praised the bipartisan leadership of House Armed Services Committee Chairman Bob Stump (R-AZ) and Ranking Member Ike Skelton (D-MO) in bringing the bill to the floor. “Passage of this legislation tells the world we are unwavering in our commitment to defeating terrorism across the globe,” Dreier said.