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House Approves Billions In Government Funding And Hurricane Aid Deal

The bill would fund disaster relief, raise the debt ceiling and keep the government open until mid-December.
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The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill Friday to fund disaster relief, raise the debt ceiling and keep the government open until mid-December.

House lawmakers approved the bill 316-90. Twenty-eight representatives didn't vote. As expected, a majority of Democrats voted "yes," which helped balance out Republicans who opposed the bill.

President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats struck a deal earlier this week to tackle disaster relief, the debt ceiling and a temporary budget in one big package.

It includes more than $15 billion in disaster aid relief for hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

The package provides enough funds to avoid a government shutdown when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. That money will keep government agencies running through Dec. 8.

Trump's agreement with Democrats also increases the federal borrowing limit through Dec. 8, and that lets the country keep paying its bills.

The Senate approved the measure Thursday. The bill now heads to the White House for Trump's signature.