Rocket thrust results from the high speed ejection of material and does not require any medium to "push against". Conservation of momentum dictates that if material is ejected backward, the forward momentum of the remaining rocket must increase since an isolated system cannot change its net momentum.
http:// hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/rocket.html
H.R. 1625
SEC. 6. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.
Each amount designated in this Act by the Congress for Overseas
Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism pursuant to section
251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control
Act of 1985 shall be available (or rescinded, if applicable) only if
the President subsequently so designates all such amounts and transmits
such designations to the Congress.