The Senate has passed a $91 billion war spending bill that would fund stepped-up military operations in Afghanistan but deny President Barack Obama money to close the Guantanamo Bay prison.
The 86-3 vote demonstrated widespread support for increased U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan. A House-Senate compromise should go to Obama shortly after Congress returns next month.
Vermont’s Senator Bernie Sanders was one of the three who voted against the bill. Senator Patrick Leahy voted with the majority.
The sweeping legislation also would provide the International Monetary Fund with a new $100 billion credit line and provides $1.5 billion to fight a potential flu epidemic.
A few Democrats said that if they don’t see measurable progress in Afghanistan they would rethink their support. The Afghanistan effort is projected to cost more than Iraq starting next year.