25 Jun 2009

Obama signs $US106 billion war bill

10:05 am on 25 June 2009

US President Barack Obama has signed into law a $US106 billion funding measure to to wind down the war in Iraq and increase operations in Afghanistan.

The bill contains $US79.9 billion to continue funding the two wars through 30 September.

It also includes items such as $US7.7 billion to address the H1N1 flu pandemic and $US1.4 billion in foreign aid for Pakistan.

The legislation did not include $US80 million Mr Obama wanted for closing the US prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

It also bans releasing any detainees into the United States. But it allows detainees to be brought to U.S. soil for trial.

The legislation include provisions to extend a $US100 billion credit line to the IMF and expand the US contribution to the agency by $US8 billion.

It also endorses an IMF plan to sell 400 tons (12.97 million ounces) of its gold reserves.

The legislation includes a $US1 billion programme to boost depressed US car sales. Vouchers worth up to $US4,500 will be offered to consumers who trade in less fuel-efficient vehicles for ones that get better mileage.