Daniel Inouye: “Mr. President, I begin by congratulating Chairman Stevens for the superb manner in which he has guided this bill through…”

“Mr. President, I begin by congratulating Chairman Stevens for the superb manner in which he has guided this bill through the committees to the floor. I wish to associate myself with the remarks of my dear friend and chairman of the committee, Senator Stevens. I suggest to my colleagues that this is a good measure, worthy of support by all of us. I join my chairman in requesting that our colleagues submit their amendments in a timely fashion. I note that this measure--a measure that includes $287.6 billion; the largest ever considered by this Senate--was unanimously approved by the Committee on Appropriations by a vote of 28-0. It will do a great deal for both our readiness and modernization requirements to protect our nation's security. Highlights include: For our military personnel and their families: It provides full funding for military pay including a 3.7 percent pay raise; an increase of $153 million for military bonuses to improve recruiting and retention; and increases for the GI bill for Reservists. The subcommittee has fully funded readiness programs, including: $4.1 billion to support our peacekeepers overseas; an increase of $183 million for our National guard; and a total increase of $4.5 billion for readiness from the levels provided in FY 2000. Full funding is also recommended for the new prescription drug benefit as authorized; and $275 million is recommended for breast and prostate cancer research.”