Our freedom and peace at home depend on all the hard work and dedication of the men and women of our armed forces. I firmly believe in maintaining a strong national defense and providing fair pay, retirement, and medical care for the men and women of our military.

The Republican Congress has given our defenders of democracy pay raises each of the last four years, including a 3.7% pay raise for Fiscal Year 2001. And, the Pentagon is proposing another pay raise, quality of housing improvements and new, expanded health benefits for military retirees in Fiscal Year 2002.

I will continue to support increases in pay and benefits that enhance the quality of life for our active duty, reserve and guard personnel as well as look for other opportunities to make preparedness, pay and retention rates for our military a priority in Congress.