Bush plugs more money for the military

March 15, 2002 Posted: 11:21 AM EST (1621 GMT)

Bush Speaking in North Carolina on Friday

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina (AP) -- President Bush sought support for his proposed military spending increase Friday among rank-and-file soldiers integral to the war in Afghanistan, urging Congress to make the extra funds "the first order of business so we can plan for this war."

Before a crowd of civilians and soldiers in the Cumberland County Arena -- where graduation ceremonies for a new class of Green Berets was held just days ago -- Bush said the United States is entering the second phase of "a tireless, relentless campaign" against terrorism worldwide, and will need both the patience and support of the American people to carry it out.

With the House preparing to vote on next year's target budget, Bush used a visit to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to call attention to his plan to raise defense spending by $48 billion to $379 billion, the largest increase in two decades.

"Nothing is more important than the national security of our country. So nothing is more important than our defense budget," Bush said. "The price for freedom is high, but it's never too high as far as I'm concerned."

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