Spending Bill Heads to the White House

The Senate late Saturday passed a $1.1 trillion spending bill, funding most of the government, including the Defense Department, through 2015 with a vote of 56-40, reported Market Watch. The bill, which was approved two days after the House approved its version, now heads to President Obama, who is expected to sign it before spending authority expires on Wednesday. “We are funding the entire United States government’s discretionary spending. We have $562 billion in here for national defense to stand up for America, to make sure our troops have the best weapons and the best support and the best medical treatment,” said Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) during floor discussion, Dec. 11. That is “more money for our troops’ readiness, as well as to fight ISIL, and refurbish an aircraft carrier,” she added.