World News Bush signs record defense bill for 2004

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WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. President George W. Bush signed a record 401.3 billion dollar (¥43.9 trillion) defense bill Nov. 24, which includes a 4.15 percent raise for troops, as the Iraq occupation puts increasing strain on soldiers and their families.

Since Bush declared major combat over in Iraq on May 1, 185 soldiers have died amid continuing guerrilla attacks. The administration has extended military deployments in Iraq to a full year and began mustering tens of thousands of regular and reserve troops for rotation into Iraq next year.

Besides raising military pay, the bill for fiscal 2004 clears the way for the Air Force to acquire 100 Boeing Co. refueling aircraft and it lifts a decade-old ban on research into low-yield nuclear weapons, authorizing 15 million dollar (¥1.6 billion) for continued research into a nuclear weapon that is capable of destroying deep underground bunkers.

Separate legislation is needed to actually spend the money authorized by the bill signed by Bush.

米国防予算が過去最大に

ブッシュ米大統領は24日、総額4,013億ドル（約43兆9,000億円）の04会計年度国防権限法案（国防予算案）に署名、同法が成立した。

Shukan ST: Dec. 5, 2003

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