U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey voted Thursday night to approve the final $397 billion budget for fiscal year 2003. 

“This legislation provides for the nation’s needs at a crucial moment in our history,” Gingrey said after voting. “It provides additional funding for national defense, education and health care. I’m proud to support it. 

“I’m particularly pleased that this legislation increases the Medicare reimbursement to doctors,” Gingrey said. “A system that forces to doctors to lose money by treating certain patients can’t survive. This is a move in the right direction.” 

The House and Senate agreement on an omnibus FY 2003 appropriations package maintains discipline in spending while providing increased resources for America’s core needs such as: 

• Department of Education: $53.1 billion—leaves no child behind with an increase of $1.4 billion for Special Education and $131 million for Head Start.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): $13.6 billion—enhances security in the skies by providing $87 million over last year’s level.  
• Veteran Medical Care: $23.9 billion—provides better healthcare for those who have fought for our freedom with a $2.5 billion increase for medical services.
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): $716 million—protects workers and investors from corporate abuse with an increase of $227 million.
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): $15.4 billion—$513 million more to safely explore the universe.