Bush signs Defense appropriations bill

President Bush on Thursday signed into law a measure to fund the Defense Department in fiscal 2005.

As he signed the bill, H.R. 4613, Bush stressed the role that technology plays in saving lives and noted the funds included for several strategic technologies.

He noted that the $391 billion bill provides $10 billion toward anti-ballistic missile systems, some components of which will become operational later this year.

Bush also highlighted: the Army's Future Combat System, which gives soldiers precise tactical information; the Littoral Combat Ship, which increases the reach of the Navy to hostile shores and waterways; the Joint Strike Fighter; and wideband satellite laser communications to improve the ability of troops to communicate over great distances.