Washington  - The US House of Representatives on Thursday passed a 162-billion-dollar measure to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for education benefits for veterans of the ongoing conflicts.

The House passed the measure 268-155 after weeks of tough negotiations with US President George W Bush, who opposed spending extra money beyond what is needed for the wars.

The White House relented after the centre-left Democratic majority agreed to remove some domestic spending but kept the veterans' education package, which Bush had opposed.

The Senate is expected to take up similar legislation next week. (dpa)