Congress Approves U.S. Spending Bill With $38.5 Billion Cut
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Congress gave final approval to legislation cutting government spending by $38.5 billion as lawmakers’ first major battle this year over the federal budget drew to a close.
The Senate approved the measure, 81-19, and forwarded it onto President Barack Obama for his signature after it cleared the House, 260-167. House Republicans needed Democrats to approve the legislation; it was opposed by 59 Republicans while 81 Democrats supported it. A stopgap bill currently funding the government expires tonight and, without action, federal agencies would begin to close.