Obama signs US$680 bln defense bill

U.S. President Barack Obama has signed into law a 680 billion dollar defense budget for the 2010 fiscal year. The measure includes funds to increase troop deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

The 2010 defense authorization bill, also terminates a number of costly projects, including the Future Combat Systems, the airborne laser, and a new presidential helicopter that costs nearly as much as Air Force One.

Obama, says the bill will fund the Joint Strike Fighter, the littoral combat ship, and more helicopters.

Barack Obama, U.S. President said, "As commander-in-chief, I will always do whatever it takes to keep the American people safe, to defend this nation. That's why this bill provides for the best military in the history of world. It reaffirms our commitment to our brave men and women in uniform, and our wounded warriors. It expands family leave rights for the family members of our troops and veterans. And it makes investments in the capabilities necessary to meet 21st Century challenges."