Congress approves two-week spending bill

The Senate on Thursday evening approved a two-week spending measure to keep the government funded past the Friday deadline and through Dec. 22. It now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.

Just an hour earlier, the House passed it in a 235-193 vote.

Passage of the bill came after President Trump met with congressional leaders Thursday from both parties in the House and Senate at the White House to discuss the issue of government funding ahead of the Friday deadline to fund the government.

In order to raise spending levels for the military and domestic programs for a longer-term spending deal, both chambers have to reach an agreement to lift spending limits set by a 2011 law.

Another short-term spending measure is expected before the Dec. 22 bill expires, which would keep the government funded into January before a long-term omnibus spending package is reached.