[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2024]
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. HOWARD. P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2002

  Mr. McKEON Mr. Speaker, I would like to first thank House Armed 
Services Committee Chairman Bob Stump for whom this bill is named. It 
has been a great privilege to serve on the committee with Chairman 
Stump. He has served his country with distinction in a number of 
capacities. From the time he concealed his age to be eligible to join 
the fight during World War II to his patriotic leadership in the HASC, 
Chairman Stump had exemplified bravery, integrity and honor. Truly, he 
has been a role model for all Americans.
  Post September 11, Americans are painfully aware of the need to equip 
our military with not only the tools, but also the training vital to 
securing and preserving freedom at home and abroad. I strongly support 
H.R. 4546 because this bill is an aggressive plan to provide our men 
and women in uniform with the best in both training and equipment.
  Furthermore, H.R. 4546 honors those who protect our freedoms each 
day. It is unfair and unpatriotic to ask the men and women of the armed 
services to perform one of the most difficult and more important jobs 
without compensating them fairly. I am extremely pleased that the 
defense reauthorization act includes a 4.1 percent military pay raise.
  This legislation marks a critical point for the United States in the 
war on terror. For over a decade the U.S. military has suffered the 
blows of defense budget cuts. I support H.R. 4546, which including the 
President's goal to increase funding and to repair the damage caused by 
these cutbacks.

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