WASHINGTON, Nov 24: US President George W. Bush signed into law on Monday a record $401.3 billion defence spending bill that gives soldiers an average 4 per cent raise.

“America stands with the United States military,” Bush said as he signed the legislation in a ceremony at the Pentagon.

The legislation, approved earlier this month by the US Congress, clears the way for the Air Force to acquire 100 Boeing Co. refuelling aircraft, expands veterans’ benefits and allows research on new types of nuclear weapons.

It includes $9.1 billion for ballistic missile defence.

Bush hailed US forces serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, saying: “You’re standing for order and hope and democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq. You’re standing up for the security of all free nations, and for the advance of freedom.”—Reuters