The final version of the 2005 Defense Authorization bill, which directs the Pentagon to spend $445.6 billion, includes $25 billion in emergency money for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The bill also directs the Pentagon to spend roughly $540 million in Hawai'i on defense-related initiatives.

"Federal investment has always been a key element in our economy and it will remain important for the future," said Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. "We're making a commitment to military personnel, their families and the commands based in Hawai'i."

Congress and the president set aside military money Aug. 5, when the 2005 Defense Appropriations bill was enacted. This new bill directs the Pentagon in how to spend it.

The bill would direct the Pentagon to purchase more body armor for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The bill, which adds $757 million for force protection gear and combat clothing, also requires the Pentagon to reimburse troops who were forced to pay for their own protective gear.

"This was very significant to me as I have heard from constituents who were paying for such gear in preparation for their deployment," said Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai'i, of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The bill also directs the military to spend $572 million to armor Humvees used extensively in Iraq. Many Humvees lack basic armor and many U.S. troops have been maimed or killed inside the thin-skinned trucks.

Akaka and Abercrombie applauded a measure in the bill that would increase the benefits for widows and widowers of military personnel. Currently, if surviving military spouses receive Social Security benefits, their survivor benefits are reduced. The bill would eliminate the penalty by 2008.