Wrap-Up Bill Clears Senate Hurdle
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Democrats in the Senate have beat back a GOP filibuster of must-pass legislation that wraps up the bulk of the remaining congressional agenda besides health care.
The measure is anchored by a $626 billion Pentagon funding bill, but it also carries short-term extensions of unemployment benefits, highway funding, and key pieces of the Patriot Act.
The timing of the 63-33 post-midnight tally blocked GOP stalling tactics and forces a final vote no later than Saturday. It was governed more by the brawl over health care than opposition to the defense measure.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The House passed the bill Wednesday by an overwhelming vote. It provides $626 billion to the Defense Department for the budget year that began almost three months ago, a 4 percent increase for core Pentagon operations.