The bill authorizes military spending, bars closing Guantanamo Bay and denies the Pentagon’s bid to start a new round of military base closings. The Republican-led House passed its version of the defence bill last month and lawmakers from both chambers must meet in a conference to resolve differences. Article Continued BelowThe defence bills authorize military spending for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The ban on closing the prison also includes a prohibition on moving detainees at Guantanamo to secure facilities in the United States. ( J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press )WASHINGTON—Defying a White House veto threat, the Senate voted decisively Tuesday to approve a defence policy bill that authorizes $602 billion (U.S.) in military spending, bars shuttering the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and denies the Pentagon’s bid to start a new round of military base closings.

Source: thestar June 14, 2016 20:37 UTC