US Congress sends Obama spending cut bill
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U.S. Congress on Thursday passed the federal budget that cut billions of government spending, sending it for President Barack Obama's signature.
The Senate passed the bill with a vote of 81-19. Hours earlier, the House of Representative approved it with a 260-167 vote.
The bill reflected last week's agreement to fund the federal government through Sept. 30, when fiscal year 2011 ends. Most House Republicans supported it, while most Democrats opposed it even though it was negotiated and supported by the White House and Senate Democrats.
In the House, Fifty-nine Republicans voted against the measure, nearly a third of the conference. Local media said it's a sign that many conservatives are still not satisfied by the cuts. House Speaker John Boehner conceded that few are happy with the deal, but said little else could be expected given the political split in Congress.
"Welcome to divided government," said Boehner. "Is it perfect? No. I'd be the first one to admit that it's flawed."
In total, the bill sets final 2011 spending levels at 1.049 trillion dollars. This is a 78.5 billion decrease from President Obama's 2011 budget request and a 39.9 billion decrease from the 1.089 trillion 2010 spending level.
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