Congress Passes $1.2 Trillion Spending Bill After Lengthy Delays, Averting Shutdown
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The Senate struck a deal Friday night to vote on a $1.2T spending bill, avoiding a prolonged shutdown. Votes were held up for hours over disputes about amendments.
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The House passed the 1,012-page spending package on Friday before adjourning for a 2-week recess. The bill funds government agencies through Sept. 30.
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The package includes a $27B increase for defense spending and $3.3B for Israel. It also cut some funding for UN refugee aid and federal diversity programs.
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If amendments pass, the bill returns to the House, but with the House in recess that could extend the partial shutdown.
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Congress previously passed a separate $467.5B "minibus" bill on March 8, bringing total fiscal 2023 discretionary spending to $1.66T.