WASHINGTON – First District Congressman Paul Ryan today voted for legislation that provides the U.S. military resources it needs to win the war on terrorism and defend our homeland and national security interests.  This legislation – the Fiscal Year 2002 Department of Defense Appropriations Act – passed in the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 406-20.  This spending bill appropriates $317.5 billion in new discretionary spending authority for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2002, which is about $19 billion more than funding made available for fiscal year 2001 (including emergency supplementals).

"Today's vote demonstrates our commitment to support U.S. troops now serving overseas or here at home," Ryan said.  "The men and women of our military put their lives on the line to protect America, and they deserve our respect and support.  Since September 11, all of us have been reminded daily of how immensely important it is for our military to have the right tools and resources to achieve its missions.  This defense legislation will help ensure that our Armed Forces will be ready to meet today's challenges and those of the future."

Among its specifics, the legislation provides a 4.6 percent military pay raise effective January 1, 2002.
It provides billions in funding for procurement of select aircraft and other military hardware, as well as funding for Ballistic Missile Defense Programs procurement and research and development.  It also contains funding for programs to combat terrorism and programs to defend against other unconventional threats such as chemical and biological attack.