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. .
On December 21, lawmakers heard from
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
on the importance of continuing U.S. aid. .
'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. .
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'