US House passes 2016 spending bill, averting govt shutdown

[WASHINGTON] The US House on Friday approved a US$1.1 trillion spending package for 2016 which if approved by the Senate as expected would avert a government shutdown before year-end holidays.

The sprawling bipartisan compromise, which also tightens visa requirements, proposes reforms to the International Monetary Fund and lifts a longstanding ban on US crude oil exports, passed easily, with lawmakers voting nearly three to one in favour. The Senate is to vote later in the day.

The White House has said President Barack Obama would sign the measure into law.

AFP