Senate Passes Massive, Spending Bill, Avoids Shutdown.br On December 22, the Senate voted 68-29 to br pass a $1.7 trillion spending bill to finance br federal agencies through September.br 'The Independent' reports that the bill will br also provide about $45 billion in economic br and military assistance for Ukraine.br Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that br the Senate had reached an agreement to weigh br 15 amendments before taking a final vote on the package.br The massive bill includes approximately br $772.5 billion for non-defense programs br and $858 billion for defense programs. .br On December 21, lawmakers heard from br Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky br on the importance of continuing U.S. aid. .br On December 21, lawmakers heard from br Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky br on the importance of continuing U.S. aid. .br 'The Independent' reports that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell endorsed the bill based on the 10 boost it promises in defense spending.br According to McConnell, the legislation br will give U.S. Armed Forces the funding br necessary to ensure national security.br 'The Independent' reports that while the bill br faced some Republican opposition, it managedbr to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to pass.br Meanwhile, Democrats br are touting the billbr as a domestic win. .