WASHINGTON – The House on Thursday approved a $512.9 billion military bill that addresses a host of concerns arising from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, from combatting makeshift roadside bombs to equipping more vehicles and troops with armor.
Passed on a 396-31 vote, the measure includes a plan to spend $50 billion for the first part of next year’s war costs.
“The theme of the bill this year was troop protection,” said Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., the House Armed Services Committee chairman. “It gives the tools to the troops in the war on terror that they need.”
“With this bill, we continue to support them by providing equipment, training, resources and peace of mind for their families,” added Rep. Ike Skelton of Missouri, the committee’s top Democrat.
In a statement, the Bush administration praised the House for supporting the fight against terrorism but indicated significant concerns with several provisions, including proposals to increase the size of the armed forces and give the military a higher pay raise than the administration sought.
Lawmakers from both political parties were mindful that during wartime and an election year, opposing such a measure could invite criticism that they were turning their backs on the troops.
The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved its version of the bill. It also envisions $50 billion for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. If approved, the measure would push to more than $400 billion the cost of the Iraq and Afghan wars and global efforts against terrorism since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, according to the Congressional Research Service.
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