Senate Approves $182 Billion Spending Bill

The Senate has approved a spending bill to the tune of $182 billion that lays out spending for some government agencies until September of next year.

The bill, which met Senate approval in a vote of 69-30, could also gain momentum in the House and avert a spending battle between lawmakers later this month, according to The Washington Post.

The bill is the compilation of three of the 12 separate appropriations bills that Congress was supposed to have adopted before the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, though lawmakers had bought time until Nov. 18 to pass spending measures.

Lawmakers have outlined a plan to ensure that an agreement on spending is reached by the deadline. They hope to reach a quick agreement on the most important spending measures and keep other areas of the government operating under last year’s budget. This will reportedly give lawmakers more time to work out budget details.

Many House Republicans say despite what approach is taken to getting spending bills passed, they will oppose any measures that don’t further cut government. With some of the most expensive areas of government to be discussed, partisan fights are expected.