Daniel Inouye: “I am happy to rise today to offer my unqualified support for the conference agreement on H.R. 3338, the Department of…”

“I am happy to rise today to offer my unqualified support for the conference agreement on H.R. 3338, the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2002. I am pleased to present the recommendations to the Senate today, as division A of this bill. The recommendations contained herein are the result of lengthy negotiations between the House and Senate managers and countless hours of work by our staffs acting on behalf of all members. The agreement provides $317.2 billion, the same as the House and Senate levels, consistent with our 302b allocations. As in all conference agreements, neither side, nor any individual member had every issue go his or her way. It represents a compromise. It is one that protects the interests of both houses while clearly meeting our national defense responsibilities. For the information of all Senators, I should point out that the bill provides more funding for our men and women in uniform than was recommended by either body.”