House backs $96.7 billion bill for Iraq, Afghan wars
WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved a $96.7 billion measure to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through September 30 as well as rush critical economic and security aid to Pakistan.
The biggest chunk is $47.7 billion to support military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through September 30. Obama had originally requested in total $84.3 billion.
It also includes $1 billion for Pakistan as it tries to fight militant Taliban insurgents spilling over the border from Pakistan. It also has $3.1 billion for eight Boeing Co C-17s and 11 Lockheed Martin C-130 transport planes.
The Senate is working on its own version of the bill and differences, which will have to be resolved, including money for the International Monetary Fund and how to close the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, that houses terrorism suspects.
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