13/ 12/ 2007

WASHINGTON, December 13 (RIA Novosti) - A bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives increased the reward for anyone helping to capture the world's most wanted terrorist Osama bin Laden to $50 million, a House spokesman said on Thursday.

The bill, called Justice for Osama Bin Laden and Other Leaders of al-Qaeda, reads: "The Secretary shall authorize a reward of $50,000,000 for the capture or death or information leading to the capture or death of Osama bin Laden."

The terrorist group al-Qaeda is blamed for the 9/11 attacks in the United States, as well as dozens of terrorist attacks the world over.

The U.S. defense spending bill for 2008, set at $696 billion, was approved 370-49 Wednesday, with $189 billion going to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Following Senate approval the document is expected to be signed by U.S. President George Bush.
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