Senate Approves $1.3 Trillion Spending Bill

The Senate early Friday voted to pass a $1.3 trillion spending bill that includes a significant boost to military and domestic spending that will keep the government funded through the end of September.

The vote was 65-32. The bill will now go into President Donald Trump desk for his signature ahead of Friday midnight deadline. Twenty-four Republicans voted against the bill, with Senator Rand Paul leading a delay vote until he let the bill go through.

Earlier Thursday morning, the House approved it with the vote of 256-167.

Some Republicans were troubled by the increasing spending in the bill as Democrats applauded the increase of domestic spending as a victory.

House Speaker Paul Ryan highlighted the increase of military spending in the bill.

“With the biggest increase in defense funding in 15 years, this critical legislation begins to reverse the damage of the last decade and allows us to create a 21st-century fighting force,” Ryan said. “Vote yes for our military. Vote yes for the safety and the security of this country.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer focused on the increase boost for domestic programs.

“Every bill takes compromise, and there was plenty here, but at the end of the day, we Democrats feel very good because so many of our priorities for the middle class were included,” Schumer said. “From opioid funding to rural broadband, and from student loans to child care, this bill puts workers and families first.”

The 2,232 page spending bill was unveiled Wednesday evening, increases military spending by $80 billion, the biggest annual defense boost in 15 years and domestic programs by $63 billion. It includes $1.57 billion for the construction of the border wall for about 33 miles, half of what President Trump requested as well as funding for 60 miles of replacement fencing.

“Got $1.6 Billion to start a Wall on Southern Border, rest will be forthcoming,” Mr. Trump said in a tweet late Wednesday. “Had to waste money on Dem giveaways in order to take care of military pay increase and new equipment.”

However, the bill doesn’t include any protections to DACA recipients, as well as renewed of federal insurance subsidies to curb premium costs on the Affordable Care Act exchanges.