Amended anti-terror legislation wins approval

TEMPORARY MEASURE President Bush settled for compromise on the time period for the Patriot Act, which gives the government sweeping powers to combat terror

AFP , WASHINGTON

It also offers crucial incentives to make military careers more attractive including nearly US$97 billion to be spent on military pay, which is due to be increased 3.1 percent, as well as on new housing and spending allowances.

An extra US$76.5 billion is being allocated for purchasing 24 new state-of-the-art F-22 Raptor fighter jets, 15 C-17 transport planes and other military hardware, including new armor for army vehicles in Iraq.

A total of US$7.8 billion is allocated for missile defense programs.