US lawmakers approved a compromise USD 1.1 trillion spending package today that funds the government through next September, while also tightening the nation's visa requirements, ending a longstanding oil export ban and reforming the IMF.
The sprawling measure, which also extends several tax exemptions worth more than USD 600 billion and that critics warn will increase the national debt, easily passed the Senate shortly after clearing the House earlier today as the last major acts of Congress before year-end holidays.
It now goes to President Barack Obama, and the White House has signalled he will sign the legislation into law.
