By Alabama Public Radio
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Thursday approved an almost $442 billion defense authorization bill. U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions is on that committee and championed the bill that includes $20 million for a Software Engineering Directorate at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. Sessions says the legislation would also boost soldiers' pay by more than three percent and would authorize a 10 percent housing allownace increase for U.S. service personnel worldwide. Sessions says he's pleased with the potential expansion, especially if it will improve missile testing. The defense authorization bill is expected to reach the full Senate floor Monday. The House of Representatives passed its defense bill in May as well.