Senate Passes $447B Spending Bill

The Senate approved a $447 billion omnibus spending bill Sunday by a vote of 57 to 35. The funds, which are part of the package of six appropriations bills, will be distributed among federal agencies, the District of Columbia, and to programs such as Medicare and Social Security. Republican senators, with the exception of three, voted against what they say is a wasteful spending initiative, though some conceded that the omnibus bill would bring a much-needed boost to the economy. Democrats successfully ended a Republican filibuster of the measure Saturday. President Barack Obama is expected to give his seal of approval, leaving only one defense bill to be passed later this week.