House backs defense bill

REGION – The U.S. House of Representatives approved a defense bill Thursday with $29 million in federal funding for local defense contractors.

The bill, approved by the House 391-34, contains provisions that would allow thousands of military survivors to receive increased annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan.

The bill also includes funding for equipment such as additional body armor and armored Humvees, improves military housing, and provides a 3.5 percent pay raise and bonuses for military personnel, U.S. Rep. Charles Bass, R-N.H., said in a written statement.