The legislation, which provides funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy, increases pay, health care and other benefits for members of the US armed forces.

The bill also includes 25 billion dollars for military operations in Iraq -- funding requested just last month by US President George W. Bush after a surprisingly strong insurgency in Iraq caused US forces to deplete earlier funding there at a faster than anticipated rate.

The legislation also seeks to improve battlefield combat equipment, including armored Humvees and body armor.

"In approving this bill, we give in some small measure our thanks, which will never be adequate, to those who protect us," said Duncan Hunter, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

"This is a defense bill for the troops," he said.

The bill includes a 3.5 percent across-the-board pay increase for service members, and increases other forms of compensation including hardship duty pay.

The legislation allows for up to 3,000 dollars per month in replacement pay for reservists who experience a reduction in income while away from their civilian jobs.

WAR.WIRE