Senate backs MX output, passes '84 defense bill

After more than a week of delays, the Senate voted 58 to 41 to back production of the MX missile. Shortly after the MX vote Tuesday, the Senate passed the full $199.9 billion defense bill for 1984.

Meanwhile, the House approved its version of a 1984 defense bill, setting the stage for a conference committee to work out differences between the two measures. The House had approved money for the MX last week. Congress is expected to vote in the fall on whether the money will actually be spent on production of the first 27 missiles.