UNITED STATES – The US Senate on Wednesday reached a two-year deal with bipartisan support to increase budget spending by nearly $ 300 billion, raising defense spending and domestic government spending.
“This bill is the product of intense negotiations between Congressional leaders and the White House,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican.
“We are working hard to find common understanding and continue to focus on serving the American people.”
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the deal should break the cycle of party differences over spending. But House Democrats have warned they will not support him if House President Bob Ryan does not commit to moving forward with independent legislation on immigration policy.
President Donald Trump’s high defense spending is expected to meet his promise during his election campaign to bolster US military strength. His Republican supporters control Congress in both houses.
Senate leaders said the deal also provides funds for disaster relief, infrastructure and addiction treatment programs.
A source familiar with Congress said the deal would increase non-defense spending by $ 131 billion and include $ 20 billion to spend on infrastructure. The funding for the children’s health insurance program is also extended to 10 years instead of six years now.
In addition to the deal, lawmakers are also trying to reach an agreement by Thursday to finance the government until March 23.
If this attempt fails, the US government will suffer its second close this year after a partial three-day closure in January.
The White House welcomed the spending increase agreement and said it would also raise the public debt ceiling until March 2019.