Bush signs bill boosting military pay, benefits

On a visit to U.S. troops in Kosovo Tuesday, President Bush signed a fiscal 2001 defense supplemental appropriations bill that includes $1.9 billion to boost pay, benefits and health care for American troops.

Thousands of soldiers in green camouflage fatigues cheered as he signed the bill, the Associated Press reported.

Bush told the soldiers he wants to hasten the day when peace is self-sustaining in the region and they can go home.

"America appreciates your service and sacrifices," he said.

Bush told the troops their presence has been vital to neighboring Macedonia, where a U.N.-brokered ceasefire is threatened by fighting between government forces and ethnic Albanian rebels.