WASHINGTON (AP) — The GOP-led House has voted convincingly to approve a $602 billion defense policy bill.
The 277-147 vote Wednesday came after lawmakers turned aside attempts to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and to repeal the war powers President Barack Obama relies on to fight the Islamic State.
The White House says it objects to numerous provisions and says Obama would veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.
The legislation, which authorizes military spending for the fiscal year beginning in October, seeks to halt a decline in the combat readiness of the U.S. armed forces.
The bill calls for purchasing more weapons and prohibiting further cuts in troop levels.
The House defense policy bill must be reconciled with a version the Senate is expected to consider by month’s end.
