The bill also got help from a health measure that has run into Congressional opposition.
Congressional opposition to several features of the plan is inevitable.
The project was abandoned in 1985 after Congressional opposition and years of court battles over its environmental effects.
But hopes for increasing exchanges have run into Congressional opposition.
The comments came on a day the administration stepped up its campaign against Congressional opposition to the troop increase.
Such military uses have fueled Congressional opposition to the reactor.
The prominence of those plans might soften Congressional opposition to the idea.
Any effort to expand the space program is certain to encounter Congressional opposition, particularly in view of pressures to cut spending.
"Some want to cut these programs which support peace," the President said, acknowledging Congressional opposition to the increase.
That's why the new President will face a Congressional opposition that is stronger than ever.