Congress overwhelmingly approves $633 billion 2013 defense bill, White House threatens veto

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress has completed a $633 billion defense bill for next year and is sending it to President Barack Obama.

The Senate voted 81-14 for the sweeping policy measure. The White House has threatened a veto, but it remains unclear whether the president would reject the legislation.

The bill covers the cost of ships, aircraft, weapons and military personnel. It would authorize $528 billion for the Defense Department's base budget, $17 billion for defense and nuclear programs in the Energy Department and $88.5 billion for the war in Afghanistan.

The bill is $1.7 billion more than Obama requested.

The measure would tighten sanctions on Iran, increase security at diplomatic missions worldwide after the deadly Sept. 11 raid in Libya and press the military on possible options to end the bloodshed in Syria.