Pentagon purchasing bill sails through the House

The House on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill sponsored by House Armed Services Chairman Ike Skelton, D-Mo., and ranking member John McHugh, R-N.Y., aimed at reforming how the Pentagon buys major weapons.

The 428-0 vote on the legislation underscores the congressional support for getting control of the cost increases and schedule delays that have become endemic to the weapons programs.

The Senate last week approved a similar measure. The two chambers will meet to resolve differences in the two bills, in the hope of sending a final measure to President Obama's desk for signature before the Memorial Day recess.