WASHINGTON — Months behind schedule and stripped of money for domestic stimulus programs, legislation to fund the troop surge in Afghanistan was sent to President Barack Obama on Tuesday after disgruntled Democrats failed to block it.
Democratic leaders had to rely on Republican support to pass the almost $59 billion measure to fund Obama’s additional 30,000 troops in Afghanistan and other programs. The final vote was 308-114.
Twelve Republicans and 102 Democrats opposed the measure. All of Colorado’s representatives except Democrat Jared Polis voted in favor.
Pentagon leaders have warned that money to fund the troops could run out as early as Aug. 7, prompting the House, which is leaving at the end of the week for its August recess, to accept the pared-down Senate version of the legislation.
Last week, the Senate rejected a larger, House-favored bill that would have included billions of dollars to help keep teachers on the job, provide aid for college students and enhance border security.
With the new spending, the total Congress has allotted for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan surpasses $1 trillion.
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