WASHINGTON – The Senate has approved a massive defense policy bill that endorses President Barack Obama’s expanded military campaign against Islamic State militants.
The vote was 89-11 on Friday. The measure now goes to the president for his signature.
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The bill authorizes funds for basic military operations, from a 1 percent pay raise for the troops to the purchase of ships, aircraft and other war-fighting equipment.
The measure would authorize the training and equipping of moderate Syrian rebels battling the extremists, a mandate that lasts for two years. It also would provide $5 billion to train Iraqis to counter the militants who brutally rule large sections of Iraq and Syria.
The bill rebuffs Obama’s push to close the federal prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
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