$662 Billion U.S. Defense Bill Clears The Senate

Senate Clears Hurdle On $662 Billion Defense Bill, Setting Stage For Passage Of Legislation -- Washington Post/AP

WASHINGTON — The Senate has cleared the way for passage of a $662 billion defense bill that has drawn a threat of a presidential veto over provisions on the treatment of captured terrorism suspects.

The Senate voted 88-12 on Wednesday to limit debate on the legislation and move ahead. A final vote on the bill could come as early as Thursday.

The bill would authorize funds for military personnel, weapons systems, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and national security programs in the Energy Department. The bill is $27 billion less than what President Barack Obama requested for the budget year beginning Oct. 1.

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Update #1: Senate clears way for passage of big defense bill -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Update #2: Citizen detention, Iran bank sanctions coming up in Defense bill Thursday -- The Hill

My Comment: This is probably going to be the last defense budget before cuts in programs and weapon purchases start to take place. For many who make their living (directly or indirectly) on defense .... after this fiscal year tough times are now coming.