House hikes reward for bin Laden

WASHINGTON, March 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. House unanimously approved a doubling of the reward the government is offering for the capture of Osama bin Laden to $50 million.

The increase is part of a larger measure passed by the body Thursday expanding the rewards program run by the Department of State that pays for information on individuals sought by the federal government.

The bill would increase narcotics and anti-terrorism rewards from the current $5 million maximum to $25 million and provides more flexibility in how the program is administered.

The measure now goes to the Senate.