Defense bill includes $372 million for isles
Associated Press
A measure containing $372 million in defense spending for Hawaii projects is awaiting President Bush's signature.
The defense appropriations bill contains $448 billion in spending and passed the Senate unanimously Friday.
The House had approved the measure Tuesday by a vote of 394-22.
Approval by a comfortable margin came despite intense partisan divisions over the course of the Iraq war, which is costing about $8 billion a month. Another infusion of money will be needed next spring.
"The Hawaii-related projects will ensure that our military is a modern, 21st-century force utilizing cutting-edge technology," Sen. Daniel Inouye said in a news release issued by his Washington office. "The initiatives also help to ensure that our men and women in uniform are protected in the best possible way."