WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican controlled House Armed Services Committee approved a $553-billion defense bill that also contained a provision which strikes down President Obama’s repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The bill also limits the President’s authority to slash the nation’s nuclear arms arsenal. The 60-1 vote increased military pay by 1.6%, funds numerous armaments and requests an additional $118-billion for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
The lone dissenting vote was cast by Rep. John Garamendi, Democrat from California.
