Political Quotes

“I submit this statement today in support of S. 1438, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002. Although I could not be here today during this debate because of a death in my family, I want to say for the record that this is a good bill. It funds the priorities for the nation's military that I have championed since becoming a member of the Armed Services Committee. I want to thank Chairman Stump and Ranking Member Skelton for their hard work and leadership during this process. This bill provides for a five to ten percent pay raise effective January 1, 2001 for the men and women serving in our armed forces. It provides full funding for the Air Force's critical fighter modernization programs, allowing for the procurement of 13 new F-22 fighters and providing over $1.5 billion for additional Joint Strike Fighter research and development. It also provides a $25 million increase for F-15 engine upgrades, and $30 million for F-16 engine upgrades. It includes number of important Army helicopter modernizations, including over $800 million for the Comanche next generation helicopter, and $10 million for important helicopter engine modifications. It provides full funding for procurement of a new Virginia class attack submarine, and includes over $450 million to begin conversion of 4 ballistic missile submarines to conventional weapon platforms.”