Joe Wilson: “Today I rise to applaud some of the exceptional provisions of S. 1438--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal…”

“Today I rise to applaud some of the exceptional provisions of S. 1438--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 Conference Report and to highlight a major disappointment within the bill. As our campaign against terrorism continues today, this conference report delivers vital enhancements to homeland security and equips U.S. soldiers with the tools they need to fight and win America's wars. Homeland defense in this conference report provides approximately $15 billion for programs to combat terrorism, defeat nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks, and protect the United States and our interests against ballistic missile attack. Our number one priority is to defend America from attack. One of the principal responsibilities of this Congress is to also ensure that we place a great emphasis on improving military quality of life and readiness. To that end, this legislation contains the largest military pay raise since 1982, significant construction efforts to improve facilities where military personnel live and work, and substantial increases to readiness accounts that support operations, maintenance, and training. Another responsibility of this Congress is to provide for exceptional health care for Americans who wear and who have worn the uniform. This bill makes significant improvements in TRICARE benefits for all beneficiaries of the military health care system.”