Congress Easily Passes $1.1 Trillion Spending Bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress has sent President Barack Obama a $1.1 trillion government spending bill that eases the harshest effects of last year's automatic budget cuts.

The Senate on Thursday voted 72-26 for the measure, which cleared the House a little more than 24 hours earlier.

Obama is expected to sign the bill in time to prevent any interruption in government funding Saturday at midnight.