Highlights of Congress’ $1.5 trillion spending package

By FATIMA HUSSEIN
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is racing to pass a mammoth $1.5 trillion legislative package that would fund the government for the rest of the year. The House approved the package Wednesday night, and the Senate is expected to approve it in the days ahead. The legislation includes $730 billion for domestic programs, which is the largest increase in four years and $782 billion in defense funding. It also includes emergency funding for Ukraine and European allies. The bill had included billions for the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that money was stripped out Wednesday afternoon. House Democrats balked at cutting previously approved pandemic assistance to their states.