http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3234960.stm
Bush approves $400bn defence bill
US troops in Iraq are coming under daily attack
US President George W Bush has signed a defence spending bill that tops $400bn for the first time since the Cold War.
The president said the US armed forces were engaged in a great and historic task to confront terrorism.
The money includes an average 4.15% pay rise for US troops, as well as controversial funding for research into new types of nuclear weapons.
In a ceremony at the Pentagon, Mr Bush said the US faced enemies who measured progress by chaos, fear and death.
The $401.3bn defence bill was approved by Congress earlier this month. Separate legislation is needed before the money can actually be spent though.
"We will do whatever it takes to keep our nation strong, to keep the peace and to keep the American people secure," Mr Bush said.