Lawmakers agree on $585 billion defense bill

WASHINGTON (AP) – House and Senate negotiators have reached agreement on a $585 billion defense policy bill that provides funds to expand the U.S. mission in Iraq to counter Islamic State militants. It also authorizes training of moderate Syrian forces.

The overall legislation endorses President Barack Obama’s request for money and authority to deal with the growing threat of the extremists.

The bill would provide the core funding for the military, including a 1 percent pay raise for the troops. It also takes steps to counter sexual assault in the ranks.

The authority to train moderate Syrian rebels battling the forces of President Bashar Assad was set to expire Dec. 11.

The House is expected to vote on the bill this week. The Senate will consider it next week.