Senate approves defence bill, defies White House veto threat

WASHINGTON (AP):

Defying a White House veto threat, the Senate voted decisively Tuesday to approve a defence policy bill that authorises US$602 billion in military spending, bars shuttering the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and denies the Pentagon's bid to start a new round of military base closings.

The GOP-led Senate's version of the National Defense Authorization Act passed 85 to 13, with all but seven members of the Democratic caucus backing the legislation. Six Republicans voted against the bill.

The legislation mandates for the first time in history that young women sign up for a potential military draft. The requirement has angered social conservatives, who fear the move is another step towards the blurring of gender lines akin to allowing transgender people to use public lavatories and locker rooms.

A heated dispute over amendments to the bill left in doubt the future of a programme that allows Afghan civilians in danger of being harmed or killed by the Taliban to receive visas and resettle in the United States.

RESOLVE DIFFERENCES

The Republican-led House passed its version of the defence bill last month and lawmakers from both chambers must meet in a conference to resolve differences. The House, for example, excludes the female draft requirement and seeks US$18 billion more in spending than the Senate to pay for troops and weapons the Pentagon didn't request.

The defence bills authorise military spending for the fiscal year that begins October 1.

But there is agreement in both chambers on key policy provisions - such as keeping Guantanamo open - that puts Congress on a collision course with President Barack Obama.