WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- The U.S. Senate averted a Washington showdown and a federal government shutdown by approving a 2007 spending plan.
The Senate approved a $463.5 billion spending plan by an 81-15 vote, The Washington Post reported. Senate Republicans had threatened to block the bill after they were denied the chance to add amendments to it.
U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., said the Republicans couldn't risk a government shutdown over the vote.
"This is funding for about half the government," he said in the Post. "We've got to get it done and move on."
The Post said the budget bill would maintain funding for most federal agencies but increases spending for Democratic priorities, such as Pell grants for higher education and veterans' healthcare.
U.S. President George Bush is expected to sign the budget bill by Friday, the newspaper reported.
The White House and Senate Democrats are expected to have a budget showdown next month when Bush is expected to ask for more money for the war in Iraq, the Post said.
