To lend his full support to America's troops, Congressman Zach Wamp (R-Tenn) joined 405 of his colleagues in the House of Representatives to vote in favor of the 2002 Defense spending bill. The bill includes many provisions that will prepare the United States military for possible future terrorist attacks.

"Late last night the House passed the Defense Appropriations bill and I am proud to stand behind this bill because it gives our men and women in uniform the tools they need to fight the war against terrorism," said Wamp.

"We could never appropriate enough money to completely and totally guarantee global safety of all America's interests around the world, but this spending bill addresses the needs of today's new war on terrorism in a planned and methodical approach - NOT by arbitrarily overspending taxpayer dollars."

"The bill also gives military personnel a much needed pay raise as well as funds that will help defray personal medical and housing costs," said Wamp of the 4.6% military pay raise included in the bill.

The spending measure includes $7.9 billion to continue funding President George W. Bush?s initiative for a Ballistic Missile Defense system. This is a $2.7 billion increase over last year?s amount.

"In light of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, I can not help but think about the possibility of unstable regimes being able to produce weapons of mass destruction. I am convinced that now more than ever, we need to continue to pursue a Ballistic Missile Defense system and this bill is another step in that direction," continued Wamp.

The Appropriations Committee also significantly increased funding to support classified intelligence programs, and provided funding to accelerate and enhance U.S. military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

The U. S. Senate is scheduled to vote on their version of the spending bill soon.