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US House approves USD 636 bln spending bill for wars in Iraq, Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Dec 16 (KUNA) -- Lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Wednesday approved USD 636 billion defense spending bill that finances the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The defense spending bill covers Pentagon operations through September 2010 for the passed by a vote of 395 to 34. It allots USD 128.3 billion directly to military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of that amount, the bill directs about USD 65 billion to go for military operations in Afghanistan which is roughly four billion dollars less than what the White House requested.
The Obama administration estimates it needs USD 30 billion more to finance a 30,000 US troop-build up that is currently underway.
Democrats also attached a number of temporary extensions of programs about to expire at the end of the year. Those included two-month extensions for federal highway programs and unemployment benefits.
The Senate is expected to pass the bill later this week before leaving for holiday recess. (end) hy.rk KUNA 162336 Dec 09NNNN