Our soldiers who leave their families to fight for a more secure America should do so knowing their families will be safe and they will have all the tools and resources they need for whatever mission is required. The House-approved budget makes sure the President has all the resources he needs to win the war and secure America's homeland.

The spending framework for 2003 keeps our promise to America's military families. The House has approved a 4.1% across-the-board pay raise for military personnel and an additional 2% pay increase for mid-career personnel. In addition, we allocated $22.4 billion to expand military healthcare and $4.22 billion for new and improved military housing.

America's armed services provide us with the finest defense in the world. Now, more than ever, those men and women in uniform deserve our full support.