Highlights of Senate Iraq war funding bill
By ANDREW TAYLOR Associated Press Writer
Article Launched: 05/22/2008 11:57:23 AM MDT


Highlights of a Senate bill passed Thursday to pay for military and diplomatic operations in Iraq and Afghanistan into next spring. Key provisions would:
—Provide $165 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for the rest of this year and several months into 2009, when there is a new president.

—Extend unemployment benefits for workers whose benefits have run out. The extension would cover up to 13 weeks nationwide and an additional 13 weeks in states with unemployment rates of 6 percent or greater, including Michigan, Alaska and California. The cost is estimated at $11.1 billion over 10 years.

—Expand education for active-duty members of the armed forces since Sept. 11, 2001. Under a formula related to years of service, the measure aims to provide the equivalent of a four-year education at a state university. The cost is estimated at $51.6 billion over the next decade.

—Block new Bush administration regulations that would cut federal spending on Medicaid health care for the poor and disabled by $13 billion over the next five years.

—Provide $8.7 billion in foreign aid and international food assistance over 2008-2009, including $450 million for Mexico to combat drug trafficking, $100 million below the administration's request.

—Provide $5.8 billion to strengthen New Orleans levees, as requested by the administration, plus $3.1 billion to help Louisiana "match" federal contributions,

and $1 billion for Mississippi coastal protection.
—Provide $3.1 billion for military base construction and base closure accounts.

—Provide $1.2 billion for science and health programs, including $200 million for NASA, $200 million for the National Science Foundation to bolster U.S. competitiveness, and $400 million for the National Institutes of Health.

—Provide $400 million for rural schools.

—Provide $451 million to rebuild roads and bridges damaged by natural disasters.

—Provide $490 million in anti-crime grants to states and local governments.

—Provide $437 million for trauma centers for veterans to help their recovery from war-related injuries, especially traumatic brain injury.

(This version CORRECTS Corrects figures on Mexico drug trafficking initiative. )






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