Congress approves Iraq funds
Thursday, 20 Dec 2007 09:28
The bill does not tie increased funding for the Iraq war to an eventual pull-out from the country
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The United States Congress has approved a $556 billion (£277 billion) budget with increased funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The House of Representatives passed the legislation by a 272 to 142 majority after the Democratic party withdrew demands to tie increased funding to a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq.
Under the legislation, a further $70 billion (£35 billion) will be available for operations in the two theatres in what is being seen as a key concession made by Democrats.
The bill, which has already been approved by the Senate, will now be sent to US president George Bush to be signed into law.
White House spokesman Tony Fratto told the Reuters news agency: "We're pleased that Congress was able to pass legislation to fund the government this year without raising taxes and within the president's reasonable spending limits.
"It's also crucial that they provided $70 billion (£35 billion) in funding for our troops in harm's way."
The new bill will also see $1 billion (£500 million) in funds for humanitarian aid and peacekeeping missions in
Darfur.
Pakistan will also receive $700m (£350 million) in military and economic aid providing it meets certain conditions.
Increased funding for the Iraq war was put into doubt after Democrats, who favour a pull-out from the country, took control of both legislative houses in midterm elections last year.
The party had attempted to tie increased funding for the war to a date for a full withdrawal from operations.
Previous attempts by the party to pass laws containing the condition have failed and the only bill which contained the clause was vetoed by Mr Bush earlier this year.