The Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School on the Leech Lake Reservation in Minnesota. Photo from Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School

The Senate unexpectedly approved H.R.83, the Omnibus Appropriations bill, by a 56 to 40 vote on Saturday.

The $1.1 trillion spending bill passed the House on Thursday. It was anticipated that the Senate would take final action this week before adjourning for the year.

But a small group of Senate Republicans objected on Friday night, forcing their colleagues to stay on Capitol Hill over the weekend. They lacked support from their party, however, and the bill easily survived their efforts to derail it over concerns about President Barack Obama and his new immigration policy.

The 1,603-page package averts a government shutdown and funds most federal agencies until September 2015. It provides $2.6 billion for the Bureau of Indian Affairs -- $70 million above the current level.

The bill also provides $4.6 billion for the Indian Health Service. That's $208 million above the current level.

Another $139 million will towards the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians. That's about the same as the current level.

"The bill helps to meet the nation’s treaty obligations to American Indians and Alaska Natives by increasing funding for health care and education," lawmakers said in a statement last week.

Detailed information about spending levels for the BIA, IHS and OST can be found in Division F of the bill.

The White House issued a one-sentence statement in support of the bill last Thursday. It's expected to be signed into law by Obama.

Get the Story:
Senate passes $1.1T funding bill (The Hill 12/13)
Senate Avoids Shutdown, Passes Cromnibus in Bipartisan Vote (Roll Call 12/13)
Senate approves $1.1 trillion spending bill (The Washington Post 12/14)
Senate Passes $1.1 Trillion Spending Bill, Joining House (The New York Times 12/14)

Relevant Documents:
Press Release: Omnibus Package Responsibly Funds the Federal Government, Avoids a Shutdown, Makes Good-Government Policy Changes | Rogers-Mikulski Joint Statement on Omnibus Agreement | FY 2015 Omnibus – Interior & Environment Appropriations | Division F - Interior & Environment Appropriations | Full Text of House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R.83 | Additional Documents - See Senate Amendment to H.R. 83

Related Stories:
House passes $1.1T omnibus appropriations bill by narrow vote (12/12)
Lawmakers unveil massive appropriations bill to fund government (12/9)