On November 15, the Senate approved, 98-0, the FY2006 defense authorization bill (S. 1042). Debate on the measure began in July but was delayed for four months due to conflict over amendments. The House approved its version of the bill (H.R. 1815) on May 25 (see The Source , 5/27/05).
S. 1042 would authorize $491.6 billion in defense spending, establish stalking as an offense, and authorize $440 million for child care services. Amendments adopted earlier this month would establish a uniform Armed Forces parental leave policy and provide an additional $60 million for child care services and family assistance centers for members of the Armed Forces and their families. (see The Source, 11/11/05).
