WASHINGTON — Congressional negotiators have tentatively settled on a $5 billion increase for the Pentagon's non-war budget as a mammoth spending bill is taking shape behind closed doors on Capitol Hill.
The measure would also cut President Barack Obama's request for Afghanistan's security forces, as well as his request for special vehicles that are resistant to roadside bombs.
The measure would also provide $115 billion for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in addition to $518 billion for the Pentagon's core budget. War costs are dropping almost $43 billion from last year as U.S. troops leave Iraq.
The budget decisions are contained in congressional documents obtained by the Associated Press.
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