"With the biggest increase in defense funding in 15 years, this critical legislation begins to reverse the damage of the last decade," Speaker Paul Ryan said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Congress minority leader Chuck Schumer said on Twitter the pact included many of Democratic priorities for the middle class.
Every bill takes compromise & there was plenty here, but at the end of the day Dems feel very good; so many of our priorities for the middle class are included. From opioid funding to rural broadband, from student loans to child care, this bill puts workers & families first.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 22, 2018
"From opioid funding to rural broadband, from student loans to child care, this bill puts workers and families first," he announced.
Also, the blueprint earmarks $200 million for military assistance to Ukraine, including lethal aid. "For the ‘Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative’, $200,000,000 is hereby appropriated, to remain available until September 30, 2018," the draft read.
"Provided, That such funds shall be available to the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to provide assistance, including training; equipment; lethal weapons of a defensive nature; logistics support, supplies and services sustainment; and intelligence support to the military and national security forces of Ukraine, and for replacement of any weapons or defensive articles provided to the Government of Ukraine."
In January, US government stopped operations because of delays in the adoption of a temporary bill on the financing of institutions, however, the Congress adopted a budget for the period until February 8
In February, there was a brief shutdown, which finished with both the US House of Representatives and Senate enacted a continuing resolution to keep the government funded for six more weeks.
