The House of Representatives has narrowly backed a $106 billion bill to pay for the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and extend billions in new credit to the International Monetary Fund.

The legislation also includes extras like vouchers to spur US car sales, and comes after a series of political battles that exposed the sharp fissures between President Barack Obama's Democrats and the Republican minority.

The spending bill, which now heads to the Senate for consideration, marks a step forward for Obama's agenda for winding down the Iraq war and boost operations in Afghanistan where militants are entrenched.

Obama and his fellow Democrats who control both chambers had to fight hard for the bill. But in the 226-202 vote, they managed only to get five Republican votes and saw 32 Democrats vote against it.

Almost all Republicans withdrew support for the war funding bill because provisions were added by the Senate to provide $108 billion in new credit lines for the IMF to help the agency ease countries through the global financial downturn.

Some Democrats appeared to question Republican support for the troops since it was largely focused on funding the wars.

"Eighty percent or more of this bill is to support the young men and women, and some not so young, who we have sent in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan to confront terrorism," House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer said during floor debate.

But Republicans countered that the IMF funding should have been considered separately and expressed concern it could lend to US foes like Iran or Venezuela -- even though the IMF currently has no loan programs with these countries.

"Republicans support our troops, period," said Republican Representative Eric Cantor, who helped lead the opposition. The legislation also authorizes US support for the IMF's plan to sell 400 tons (12.97 million ounces) of its gold reserves. - Reuters