WASHINGTON — The Senate and House on Thursday passed their own versions of a $400.5 billion defense spending plan for 2004 that would increase money for homeland security, development of new weapons and benefits for the troops.
Legislation in both bills includes more than $70 billion for weapons purchases and $9.1 billion for a missile defense system. The measures offer an average 4.1 percent pay raise for military personnel and new money to stop terrorism and the spread of biological and chemical weapons.
The Senate version included nearly $30 million worth of construction at Utah's Hill Air Force Base and Dugway Proving Ground.
Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, said that should help protect Hill in the next round of base closures.
"As we look toward the next round of base closures, it's especially important that we take steps to maintain Hill's prominence in the nation's military apparatus. These provisions help further that goal," he said.
Funding in the bill for projects at Hill include: $13 million for replacement munitions storage igloos; $5.9 million for an Anti-Terrorism Force Deployment Center; $1 million for a munitions maintenance facility; and $1.8 million for small-diameter bomb storage igloos.
Also included is $8.1 million for revitalizing 162 family housing quarters at Dugway — including replacing heating systems, upgrading plumbing, improving bathroom and laundry facilities and adding garages and driveways.
"Inadequate housing conditions at Dugway have taken their toll on the health, morale and safety of the families who work and live there," Bennett said. "This revitalization is necessary and overdue."
The House passed similar provisions in its version of the defense bill earlier this month. A House-Senate conference is now seeking to work out differences in the bill between the two houses, and send back a compromise version for final passage.
The Senate vote was 98-1 with Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., the only dissenter; the House vote was 361-68.
"America's military team has performed brilliantly for us. Now it is time for us to perform for them," House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., said at the House opening debate.
There was wide support for the 4.7 percent increase over what Congress approved last year. Thus, much of the debate was on such issues as exempting military bases from environmental protection laws, reorganizing civilian workers at the Pentagon and researching new, low-yield tactical nuclear weapons. House Democrats complained that they were barred from offering amendments on some of these issues.
The White House lauded Congress for its aggressive support, but in a statement voiced strong opposition to language in the House bill that would put some restrictions on the next round of military base closings that are set for 2005.
Contributing: Lee Davidson, Deseret News Washington correspondent