President Barack Obama. Photo from White House
A two-year budget agreement that raises spending levels is on its way to President Barack Obama for his signature. The Senate gave final approval to H.R.1314, the Bipartisan Budget Act, by a vote of 64 to 35 early this morning. Action came after the bill cleared the House by a vote of 266 to 167 on Wednesday. The bill raises domestic and defense spending by about $80 billion for fiscal year 2016, which started October 1, and fiscal year 2017. That opens the door to potential potential increases to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service, whose funding levels have been cut or have remained flat due to sequestration and the inability of Congress to pass appropriations bills. There is no guarantee, however, that the White House and lawmakers will be able to agree on specific boosts for those agencies. Additionally, the bill increases the debt ceiling, which is due to reach its limit in the next few days. While the Bipartisan Budget Act indeed had enough votes from members of both parties, many conservative Republicans opposed it because it raises spending levels and increases the federal government's borrowing limit. The government is currently funded through December 11 under H.R.719, the Continuing Appropriations Act. Get the Story:
Senate approves two-year bipartisan budget agreement (The Washington Post 10/30)
Senate Passes Budget Bill and Sends It to Obama (The New York Times 10/30)
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