Congressional leaders reached a bipartisan two-year budget agreement on Wednesday—a positive sign that they could prevent another government shutdown.
In his remarks, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said they reached a compromise that ensure more funding for the U.S. military. The budget agreement also guarantees funding for disaster relief, infrastructure, and the work on combating the opioid epidemic.
The budget agreement will add around $300 billion in federal spending over the next two years. It includes an increase of $131 billion in funding for important programs for middle class families.
It will undo the sequestration cuts that restricted the armed forces and undermine the country’s national security. The budget deal will increase defense spending by 80 billion in 2018 and $85 billion in 2019.
Budget agreement represents a significant step forward
Sen. McConnell said, “This bill is the product of extensive negotiations among Congressional leaders and the White House. No one would suggest it is perfect. But we worked hard to find common ground and stay focused on serving the American people.”
