[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E793]]
   BOB STUMP NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003

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                               speech of

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2002

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4546) to 
     authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2003 for military 
     activities of the Department of Defense, and for military 
     construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for 
     fiscal year 2003, and for other purposes:

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, there are three simple reasons why Congress 
should support H.R. 4546. America is at War.
  We must accept the fact that terrorist groups like al-Queda have one 
goal and that is to destroy America and our way of life.
  As such, we must protect ourselves aggressively. More importantly, we 
must support our President in his efforts to root out the terrorists.
  Our troops must continue to receive excellent training, but that 
alone won't ensure victory. We have to equip our troops with the most 
advanced equipment available. This legislation helps to do just that.
  The programs funded in the bill are helping to win the war on 
terrorism. We have funded initiatives that the men and women on the 
front lines say work.
  For example, the bill fully funds Global Hawk--This is something the 
good people in my district know something about.
  I know how important this program is to our national security. But 
don't take my word for it. Listen to the people leading the fight in 
Operation Enduring Freedom: Theatre Commander General Tommy Franks 
called Global Hawk ``invaluable''. Air Component Commander, General 
Mosley said ``I could use a dozen Global Hawks right now.''
  While the legislation has funded a number of significant program 
needs, we also understand that those systems are useless without the 
brave men and women that operate them. As the men and women of the 
armed services fight for our freedom, we must fight for their families. 
We can say we value our troops and the sacrifices they make all day 
long, but those words mean absolutely nothing if not backed by action. 
After years of neglect, we finally have an administration dedicated to 
supporting our military and their families.
  This administration and this congress have taken steps to finally 
give the military the support that they deserve. By including a 4.1 
percent pay raise, this legislation shows our troops that we value them 
and their sacrifices.
  Mr. Chairman, I am also pleased that this legislation bears the name 
of my friend and colleague Bob Stump. It is truly a deserving 
recognition and I certainly urge my colleagues to support it as well.

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