[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 168 (Wednesday, November 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2321-E2322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1588, NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR 
                            FISCAL YEAR 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RICHARD BURR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 2003

  Mr. BURR. Mr. Speaker, with the passage of the conference report on 
H.R. 1588 today, we have taken a great step forward in the defense of 
our homeland and the support of our military forces. Not only are we 
equipping our military with the tools and resources they need to carry 
out their missions today, we are also providing for the research and 
development necessary to meet future threats.
  I am particularly pleased to see that the House and Senate have seen 
fit to include a long-awaited agreement regarding concurrent receipt 
for our disabled veterans. While I regret that we could not provide the 
full benefits for all of our disabled military veterans, I am 
encouraged that we are providing full receipt of both retirement and 
disability pay to more veterans than have ever been previously allowed 
by law. This Congress has achieved something that hasn't been seen in 
any previous Congress. I am hopeful that in the coming years we can 
expand this important benefit for our veterans.
  Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged to see that the benefits 
of TRICARE have been extended to our National Guardsmen and Reservists 
and their families. All too often, many of these families are unable to 
meet their premium payments for private insurance when a family member 
is called away to serve his or her country. With this provision, we 
will be providing the health care that our soldiers' families need.
  I am pleased to see that reform of the procurement and acquisitions 
process to the benefit of small businesses is also included in the 
conference report. It is certainly my desire to see our military 
receive only the best equipment and services, but not without allowing 
our nation's small businesses the chance to compete and to offer 
quality services or innovative products.
  Mr. Speaker, our safety and freedom ultimately relies on our troops. 
I am glad that this legislation provides a strong across the board pay 
raise and other important provisions for our men and women in uniform 
and their families. I am deeply grateful for the sacrifices our troops 
make every day in the name of freedom, and am pleased the House was 
able to pass it today.

[[Page E2322]]

  Unfortunately, I was unable to be present for the vote on this 
conference report due to a visit to my district by President Bush. Had 
I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on agreeing to the 
conference report.

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