House backs $675 billion spending bill for Pentagon

The House approved a $675 billion spending bill for the Defense Department on Thursday that includes a

2.6 percent raise for the military. The 359-49 vote sends the bill to the Senate, where the Appropriations Committee approved a similar measure this week.

The House bill would provide

$146 billion for equipment and upgrades, including $22.7 billion for 12 Navy ships, two Virginia-class submarines and three fast-moving littoral combat ships.