WASHINGTON - The Senate gave final approval Wednesday to a $401.3 billion defense bill that gives the Pentagon greater control over its civilian work force and eases environmental restrictions on the military.
The bill authorizing 2004 defense programs now goes to President Bush for his signature.
Democrats joined Republicans in the 95-3 vote, despite their objections to the broader Pentagon authority. They stressed the measure would provide new benefits to both active duty soldiers and veterans.
But the bill was opposed by Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., who said it "transfers vast, unchecked powers to the Defense Department while avoiding any break with the business-as-usual approach to increasing defense spending."
The bill is $1.5 billion more than the amount request by Bush and
about 2.2 percent more than Congress approved last year. It was approved by the House on Friday in a 362-40 vote
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