Senate passes budget bill

WASHINGTON, March 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to pass the $410 billion omnibus spending bill, sending the legislation to the president for his signature.

The Hill reported that the measure passed by voice vote after a 62-35 vote to quash a Republican filibuster.

The newspaper said President Barack Obama is expected to sign the package into law.

Congressional Democrats and the administration are at odds over major initiatives in Obama's budget proposal, including proposed limits on tax deductions for the wealthiest 1.2 percent of taxpayers; cutting some agri-business subsidies; reducing spending on Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security; and capping greenhouse emissions, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

"The legislative process requires compromise and being open to different alternatives," said Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Committee leaders disagree with the administration on how to fill in details of Obama's budget outline, and they must contend with dissent within their ranks not only on the president's blueprint but also a spending bill necessary to keep Washington running through the end of this fiscal year, The Washington Post said.