Lawmakers release huge spending bill ahead of deadline

US lawmakers have agreed to a $1.7 trillion funding bill and plan to ram the compromise legislation through the House and Senate this week to avert a Dec. 24 government shutdown. The bill, which would provide funding for government agencies through the Sept. 30 end of fiscal 2023, includes $858 billion for national defense, a $76 billion increase over current levels. Domestic agencies would see a $773 billion level. Read more