Associated Press
Monday, August 6, 2007; A04

The House early yesterday approved modest changes to President Bush's record Pentagon budget proposal, but Democrats signaled plans to resume a more contentious debate over the Iraq war after the August recess.

The House's $459.6 billion version of the defense budget, approved on a 395 to 13 vote, would add money for equipment for the National Guard and Reserve, provide for 12,000 additional soldiers and Marines, and increase spending for defense health care and military housing.

Minutes after the vote, the chamber adjourned until after Labor Day.

The White House criticized Democrats for cutting Bush's request and effectively transferring $3.5 billion of the money to domestic spending programs. It is likely that the cuts will be restored in the fall when Congress will consider another wartime supplemental spending bill.

The administration has not threatened to veto the measure.

The measure does not include Bush's 2008 funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Democrats say they want to consider that money in separate legislation in September. This approach would set the stage for a major clash over the war; Democrats are likely to try to impose conditions on the money.

Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.), a key ally of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), told reporters last week that he backs only short-term extensions of war spending.

The massive military measure represents a nearly $40 billion increase over current levels. The Pentagon would get another budget increase of billions of dollars through a companion measure covering military base construction and a recent round of base closures.

The defense legislation largely endorses Bush's plans for major weapons systems such as the next-generation Joint Strike Fighter and the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, which has been beset by cost overruns.

The Democratic military budget would provide $8.5 billion for missile defense, about 4 percent less than Bush's request but $1 billion more than current spending. The Army's Future Combat System, a computerized system designed to transform the service's war-fighting abilities, would absorb an 11 percent cut from Bush's request.

Fueled by those procurement costs and war costs, the total defense budget will be significantly higher than during the typical Cold War year, even after adjusting for inflation.

The bill gives service members a 3.5 percent pay raise. The administration objects and says its recommended 3 percent increase is sufficient.

The bill would also boost the money spent to oversee military contractors, including $24 million for the inspector general, and it contains a provision barring the establishment of permanent bases in Iraq.