Jim Ryun: “I support H.R. 2586, the Fiscal Year 2002 National Defense Authorization Act, because it directly addresses the…”

“I support H.R. 2586, the Fiscal Year 2002 National Defense Authorization Act, because it directly addresses the quality-of-life problems today's service members are experiencing. In total, the bill authorizes $343 billion for defense spending in 2002. Of the $33 billion increase from last year, military health care receives a 54 percent increase in funding. Clearly, this is one of the largest given in this critical area in many years. It is a well-known adage in the military that you recruit soldiers and you retain families. Quality of life is essential in recruiting and retaining quality personnel. If we are serious about resolving the attrition problem, we must continue to focus on the quality of health care for the entire family.”