BREAKING NEWS

Obama signs nearly $578 billion defense bill for fiscal 2015

By JPOST.COM STAFF

DECEMBER 20, 2014 02:02

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama signed an annual defense policy bill on Friday that authorizes US training for Iraqi and Syrian forces fighting Islamic State rebels and sets overall defense spending at nearly $578 billion, including about $64 billion for wars abroad.

The legislation, approved by Congress earlier this month, sets defense policy and authorizes spending levels for the 2015 fiscal year, which began on Oct. 1, but does not actually appropriate funding.

The bill approves a Pentagon base budget of $496 billion, in line with Obama's request, plus nearly $64 billion for conflicts abroad including the war in Afghanistan. It also authorizes $17.9 billion for Energy Department nuclear weapons work.

The measure formally endorses the Pentagon's plan to vet, train and equip a moderate Syrian opposition military force to fight Islamic State rebels, defend the Syrian people and promote conditions for a negotiated end to Syria's civil war.

The US military program to train and assist Iraqi and Kurdish forces fighting Islamic State militants also was authorized.

Australia asks its citizens to evacuate Israel

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

04/19/2024 07:52 AM

No missile attack against Iran, Iranian official tells Reuters

By REUTERS

04/19/2024 06:37 AM

Australian Jewish Association welcomes reported strikes on Iran

By MICHAEL STARR

04/19/2024 06:19 AM

IDF Home Front Command: No change in the public safety directives

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF