[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 163 (Thursday, November 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 28, 2001

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3338) making 
     appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 2002, and for other purposes:

  Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong 
support of H.R. 3338, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for 
Fiscal Year 2002. I wish to commend Chairman Lewis, Ranking Member 
Murtha, and their staff for again crafting a bill that is appropriate 
for those who risk their lives to protect our country, our freedoms, 
and our way of life.
  We have learned in recent months that we live in an uncertain time 
and an unstable world. We in Congress must always remember that the 
first priority of the Federal Government is to provide for the national 
defense.
  This bill delivers on that priority and demonstrates our commitment 
to our Nation's defense by providing $317.5 billion in discretionary 
spending, $19 billion over last year's bill. The bill ensures that our 
military remains the strongest, most prepared force in the world, and 
strengthens our efforts to deal with the new threats that our Nation 
faces by providing $11.7 billion under the Counter-Terrorism and 
Weapons of Mass Destruction Title. The bill also fulfills our 
obligation to house, clothe, feed, and provide for the health care of 
the members of our armed services and their families by providing a 4.6 
percent pay raise and funding an increase in housing allowances.
  Mr. Chairman, it is for these and many other reasons that I gladly 
support H.R. 3338 today and encourage my colleagues to do the same. At 
this very moment, men and women of our Armed Forces are overseas 
fighting a war on terrorism and evil. While we have all stood in this 
Chamber and commended them for their service, now is the time to 
support this vital legislation that will ensure our troops remain safe 
and successful, now and for years to come.

                          ____________________