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December 10, 2014

Lawmakers Agree on $1.1 Billion Spending Bill to Avoid Gov't Shutdown 
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Congressional lawmakers have finalized a spending bill to avoid a
government shutdown before the Thursday deadline. The $1.1 trillion
measure will fund all government agencies through September except for
the Department of Homeland Security, whose allocation expires in
February. That will let Republicans challenge President Obama's
executive action granting a reprieve to up to five million undocumented
immigrants. The bill also includes cuts to retiree benefits at some
multi-employer pension plans, sparking criticism from advocates. In a
victory for Republicans, the Environmental Protection Agency will lose
$60 million in funding, and its workforce reduced to its lowest level in
25 years. A House vote is expected on Thursday.

 

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