CONGRESS BOOSTS FUNDS FOR MISSILE DEFENSE

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The House and Senate have agreed to boost funds forU.S. missile defense in systems meant for export to the Middle East. House and Senate conferees have reached agreement on the $393 billiondefense budget for fiscal 2003 that calls for extra funding for the PAC-3and other U.S. anti-missile programs. The PAC-3 has been offered to U.S.allies in the Middle East.