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Disarmament DocumentationBack to Disarmament Documentation Bush signs $400 billion defense authorization bill, November 24'Bush Signs Defense Bill Authorizing Full Missile Defense Request,' November 24, 2003. Cites danger of spreading ballistic missile and WMD technology President Bush signed a $400 billion defense authorization bill at the Pentagon November 24 that includes the full amount his administration had requested for missile defense. Congress passed the fiscal year 2004 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1588) on November 7 authorizing the Department of Defense to spend an actual $401.3 billion in the coming year (including defense activities for the Department of Energy). The president noted that the spread of both ballistic missile technology and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) pose "a terrible danger" to the United States and the world. Pointing to the inclusion in the defense authorization of $9.1 billion for ballistic missile defense, he said during a brief signing ceremony, "We must have the tools and the technologies to properly protect our people." Bush said the legislation will help the United States stay prepared and well-equipped for current and future challenges. "In our new struggle, threats can emerge suddenly," he said, "and so we must always be ready." The money also will help prepare the U.S. military for the future, the president said. "We will do whatever it takes to keep our nation strong, to keep the peace," he added. "America's military is standing between our country and grave danger," Bush said. Speaking to the broader military and civilian defense establishment, the president said: "You're standing for order and hope and democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq. You're standing up for the security of all free nations, and for the advance of freedom." Citing the events of September 11, 2001, and other events as recently as last week in Istanbul, Bush described the perpetrators as terrorists who "are cunning and ruthless and dangerous." To win the global war on terrorism, it is important to fully exploit the skills and talents of all who serve the United States, he said, "and this bill will help us achieve that goal." Source: US State Department, Washington File, http://usinfo.state.gov. © 2003 The Acronym Institute. |