$1.5 trillion spending bill includes Eastern European aid.
Early Wednesday, Congressional leaders reached a deal on a $1.5 trillion spending bill needed to avoid shutting down the government midnight Friday.
President Biden had requested $10 billion for Ukraine and European allies and $2.5 billion for COVID-19 relief. The legislation, however, includes $13.6 billion in aid to Ukraine and European allies and $15.6 billion in funding for COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatments in the U.S. and abroad.
The House is expected to take action on the legislation Wednesday. The Senate Appropriations Committee says staff worked through the weekend to tie up negotiations on the legislation, and that the leadership also stepped in to hash out outstanding issues. Senate Appropriations Chairman Patrick Leahy of Vermont said it is possible the Senate might not pass the omnibus until Sunday, but stated, “We’ll get it done.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for leaders in both chambers of Congress as they bring the federal funding bill to their respective floors.
- For members of the House and Senate as they vote on the spending bill.
- For discernment for members of Congress as the federal deficit continues to increase.
Sources: The Hill, Washington Examiner
