With President Trump’s signature assured, the Senate on Thursday approved the $333 billion spending deal that funds dozens of federal agencies through the rest of…
With President Trump’s signature assured, the Senate on Thursday approved the $333 billion spending deal that funds dozens of federal agencies through the rest of the fiscal year, averting another shutdown.
The 83-16 vote still must be followed by House approval, though that was expected later Thursday.
Lawmakers had been reading through nearly 2,000 pages of legislative language in the bill and accompanying report, released just after midnight Thursday, as they awaited an announcement from the White House about what Mr. Trump would do.
Mr. McConnell broke the wait just after 3 p.m., saying he’d spoken with the president and had assurances he would sign the measure — but he’ll also issue a national emergency declaration to build more wall than Congress has approved.
“I had an opportunity to speak with President Trump and he, I would say to all my colleagues, has indicated he’s prepared to sign the bill. He’ll also be issuing a national emergency declaration at the same time,” Mr. McConnell said.
The White House confirmed the move.
Heading into the Senate vote, leaders in both parties said avoiding more budget pain trumped lingering concerns about which side came out ahead in the standoff over border security and about having members vote on the 1,100-plus page bill less than 24 hours after it was introduced.
