Arms bill backed in House mostly in Reagan mold

May 13, 1981

The House Armed Services Committee approved a $136 billion defense authorization bill that would give President Reagan most of what he wants but slashes two key spending programs. The bill, which now will go to the full House for a vote, authorizes $450 million less in military spending in fiscal 1982 than Mr. Reagan requested but approves major programs such as the MX missile and a new nuclear bomber.