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Bush Signs Defense Bill Into Law During Pentagon Ceremony
Thursday, January 10, 2002
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Bush said that in the campaign against global terror, the U.S military must have every resource, tool, weapon and advantage necessary to accomplish the missions to come. He said the appropriations act is a "down payment" on this commitment.

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
In signing the fiscal 2002 Defense Appropriations Act, President George W. Bush said the United States owes military personnel the full measure of respect for their service and sacrifice.

Bush signed the legislation into law at a Pentagon ceremony Jan. 10. He said the act demonstrates the bipartisan support the military has. "We can never pay our men and women in uniform on a scale that matches their sacrifices," Bush said. But this bill reflects our respect for your selfless service."

"We owe you decent pay and a decent quality of life," Bush told the packed auditorium. "We owe you the best leadership and training. We owe you the best equipment and weaponry. We owe our service men and women our best, because we owe you our freedom."

With today's signing, Bush approved both the $317 billion Defense Appropriations Act and the $20 billion emergency supplemental Congress passed in response to the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

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