Senate Passes Massive, Spending Bill, Avoids Shutdown.
On December 22, the Senate voted 68-29 to pass a $1.7 trillion spending bill to finance federal agencies through September.
'The Independent' reports that the bill will also provide about $45 billion in economic and military assistance for Ukraine.
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the Senate had reached an agreement to weigh 15 amendments before taking a final vote on the package.
The massive bill includes approximately $772.5 billion for non-defense programs and $858 billion for defense programs. .
On December 21, lawmakers heard from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the importance of continuing U.S. aid.
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On December 21, lawmakers heard from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the importance of continuing U.S. aid.
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'The Independent' reports that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell endorsed the bill based on the 10% boost it promises in defense spending.
According to McConnell, the legislation will give U.S. Armed Forces the funding necessary to ensure national security.
'The Independent' reports that while the bill faced some Republican opposition, it managed to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to pass.
Meanwhile, Democrats are touting the bill as a domestic win.
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Kids, parents, veterans, nurses, workers: These are just a few of the beneficiaries of our bipartisan funding package, so there is every reason in the world for the Senate to finish its work as soon as possible, Chuck Schumer, Democratic Majority Leader, via 'The Independent'
