Senate passes spending bill that prevents government shutdown
WASHINGTON- The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a $1.1 trillion spending bill to keep the government funded through September.
The upper chamber voted 79-18 to approve the measure.
The House approved the legislation on Wednesday.
The omnibus appropriations bill allocates $1.5 billion for border security but does not include funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The legislation also does not include language coinciding President Donald Trump’s promises to eliminate funding for sanctuary cities and Planned Parenthood.
But Republicans have expressed enthusiasm over the inclusion of $25 billion in increased defense appropriations, additional border security funding and language authorizing the expansion of charter schools.
Congress is expected to revisit the President’s request for border wall funding this summer when considering the Trump Administration’s FY 2018 budget.
Other provisions contained in the spending bill include funds to replenish health care benefits for certain miners and their families, combat opioid addiction and make infrastructure improvements.
If the Senate voted against the bill, the government would have run out of money at midnight on Friday.
This article is republished with permission from Talk Media News
Bryan is an award-winning political journalist who has extensive experience covering Congress and Maryland state government.
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