[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2020-E2021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4546, BOB STUMP NATIONAL DEFENSE 
                 AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2002

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, last night the House approved the 
conference report for H.R. 4546, the Bob Stump National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003. Passage of that legislation 
represents an important commitment by Congress to a strong national 
defense and to the men and women who provide it.
  As the United States continues to prosecute the war against 
terrorism, it is essential that our armed forces are appropriately 
equipped. The conference report provides vital support for homeland 
counterterrorism programs, increased weapons capability, and military 
research and development. Additionally, it recognizes the important 
role of our men and women in uniform by providing a 4.1 percent

[[Page E2021]]

pay raise and authorizing a force increase of 40,000 people.
  I am particularly pleased that the conference agreement includes 
language prohibiting the military from requiring or strongly 
encouraging U.S. servicewomen in Saudi Arabia to wear the abaya--a long 
black garment required for women under Islamic law. I have been working 
with the gentleman from Indiana, Mr. Hostettler, and the gentlewoman 
from New Mexico, Mrs. Wilson, to remove this unnecessary and degrading 
mandate. The Defense Authorization conference report ends this double 
standard and guarantees that our servicewomen are not treated as 
second-class citizens.
  Additionally, the legislation breaks new ground by establishing a 
concurrent receipt program. For too long, our disabled military 
retirees have witnessed their military retirement pay reduced by the 
amount they receive in disability compensation. I have fought against 
this injustice since arriving in Congress and am pleased that this 
legislation will provide greater assistance to many of those who have 
made sacrifices for our nation.
  The National Defense Authorization Act is a great achievement and an 
appropriate recognition of Chairman Bob Stump's dedicated leadership. I 
appreciate having had the opportunity to serve with Chairman Stump on 
the House Armed Services Committee and commend him for his deft 
handling of the complex matters arising from the international war on 
terrorism. Together with Ranking Member Ike Skelton, Chairman Stump 
helped foster a collegial and thoughtful atmosphere in the committee, 
thus ensuring that Congress's approach to the war on terrorism was 
bipartisan and well considered. I wish him well in the future and thank 
him again for his leadership.
  As the House prepares to recess for the year, I am disappointed that 
we were not able to claim greater progress on appropriations bills and 
other important legislation. Nevertheless, passage of the Defense 
Authorization Act, coupled with the final agreement reached on the 
Department of Homeland Security, demonstrates Congress's commitment to 
ensuring the safety of the American people, and I am proud of the work 
we have accomplished in these fields.

                          ____________________