For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 29, 2004
President's Statement on the Defense Authorization Act of 2005
Protecting the American people is my most solemn responsibility,
and a superior U.S. military is essential to that effort and to
fighting and winning the global war on terrorism. The Defense
Authorization Act of 2005 will continue to strengthen our security and
ensure that our troops are the best-paid, best-trained, and
best-equipped fighting force in the world .
We have increased military pay by over 20 percent since I came into
office, and this legislation includes the fourth consecutive pay raise
for our service men and women. It funds more protective equipment like
body armor and reinforced Humvees to keep our troops as safe as
possible.
This bill also continues the transformation of our military and
funds the technology and advanced weapons systems we need. And it
keeps our commitment to our troops, military retirees, reservists, and
their families by ensuring they get the health, housing, and other
benefits that they deserve. This bill will help us continue to
strengthen our all-volunteer military.
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