For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 7, 2003
Statement by the President
I commend the House for passing the Defense Authorization
conference report and showing strong bipartisan support for America's
national security, our troops, and their families. This bill includes
my request for a third straight pay raise, more resources for equipment
and training, and quality of life improvements so that our military
continues to be the finest fighting force in the world.
The legislation also makes good progress toward transforming and
modernizing our military so that it is best prepared to protect
Americans.
Finally, I am pleased that the House has resolved the issue of
concurrent receipt for military retirees in a fair and responsible
manner.
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