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US Senate passes $447 billion defense spending bill

Jun-24-2004 » Filed Under: General Military

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(Capitol Hill-AP) June 24, 2004

The Senate has given late-night approval to a $447 billion defense spending bill for the next fiscal year. It's similar to one that cleared the House a month ago, including a 3.5-percent pay hike for military personnel.

The Senate bill has only part of what the Pentagon expects to need next year for Iraq and Afghanistan: $25 billion. The administration is expected to ask for at least another $25 billion early in the next calendar year after the election.

The Senate bill also includes something neither the Pentagon nor the White House wants, another 20,000 troops. Senators say they've been hearing too many complaints from military families about extended tours.

Differences between the Senate and House bill will be worked out in a conference committee.


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