Republican-led House backs $570 billion defence bill that limits Obama on Guantanamo
WASHINGTON – The House has voted overwhelmingly for a $570 billion U.S. defence bill that limits President Barack Obama’s authority on handling detainees at the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The vote was 340-73 on Friday for an election-year measure that also would impose new curbs on the National Security Agency’s spying.
Overall, the bill would provide the money for military personnel, aircraft, ships and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Pentagon had proposed several cost-saving moves, including base closings and retirement of aircraft. Congress resisted as lawmakers protected favourite programs.
Republicans were angry with Obama’s swap of five Taliban leaders from Guantanamo for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who had been held captive in Afghanistan for five years. They backed new restrictions on transferring detainees.
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