US Senate passes $91.3 billion war funding bill

The Senate has passed a $91.3 billion war spending bill that would fund stepped-up military operations in Afghanistan but deny President Barack Obama money to close the Guantanamo Bay prison.

The Senate has passed a $91.3 billion war spending bill that would fund stepped-up military operations in Afghanistan but deny President Barack Obama money to close the Guantanamo Bay prison.

HT Image

The 86-3 vote demonstrated widespread support for increased U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan. A House-Senate compromise should go to Obama shortly after Congress returns next month.

The sweeping legislation also would provide the International Monetary Fund with a new $100 billion credit line and provides $1.5 billion to fight a potential flu epidemic.

A few Democrats said that if they don't see measurable progress in Afghanistan they would rethink their support. The Afghanistan effort is projected to cost more than Iraq starting next year.