US Congress OKs spending bill averting gov't shutdown

The US Senate passes legislation to keeps the government funded through September, averting what would have been an embarrassing shutdown just months into Donald Trump’s presidency.

The $1.16 trillion spending bill passed the House last week, also with broad bipartisan support, even though it ignores Trump’s persistent promise to build a wall along the border with Mexico.

It passed the Senate by a 79-18 vote, and now heads to the White House for Trump’s signature ahead of a Friday night deadline to fund the government or face a temporary shutdown.

The deal, which keeps federal operations running through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, was struck after weeks of tense negotiations.

— AFP