WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 2586, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, by an overwhelming margin of 398-17.  First District Congressman Paul Ryan voted in support of the legislation, which authorizes about $343 billion in budget authority for the country's defense activities in FY 2002, about $33 billion more than last year's defense authorization.

"We must ensure that the men and women who serve in our military have the resources they need to accomplish their missions and support their families," Ryan said. "The recent tragic attacks on our nation are a vivid, sickening reminder of the reality that there are groups and governments that seek the destruction of the United States and all that we stand for.  We have to equip our armed forces to defend Americans' lives and liberty and vanquish enemies who wage war on our country."

Among other specifics, the Defense Authorization Act authorizes the largest military pay raise since 1982.  After pay table adjustments contained in the bill, every service member will receive a raise of between 5 and 10 percent (effective January 1, 2002).  The legislation also reduces out-of-pocket housing costs for military personnel by increasing housing allowances.  In addition, it authorizes billions in funding for procurement of select aircraft and other military hardware, as well as funding for research, development, test and evaluation activities.  The legislation also authorizes money for military programs to combat terrorism and for missile defense programs.

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