Politics & Government

[UPDATE] Obama Signs Spending, Debt Bill

The bill passes the Senate, with Obama signing the legislation today.

Just hours before the deadline, the Senate passed the emergency legislation on the debt bill, with Obama signing the bill a little more than an hour later.

The passed 74-26.

In a 269-161 vote, the House approved legislation Monday night that moves the nation one step further away from default.

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A final Senate sign-off for the measure is expected tomorrow. Aside from raising the debt limit, the bill slices federal spending by at least $2.1 trillion.

"If the bill were presented to the president, he would sign it," the White House said.

Find out what's happening in Glendorawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Eyes were temporarily on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Arizona), who made an appearance in the House chamber today for the first time since being shot in the head nearly seven months ago. She cast a vote in favor of the bill.

Many Republicans have contended the bill cuts too little from federal spending, while many Democrats said it cuts much too much. Today Republican lawmakers voted to support the compromise, 174-66, while Democrats were split, 95-95.


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