House, Senate OK Major Spending Bills

Moving with unusual alacrity, the House and Senate passed major bills to pay for federal programs next year. The House, by a 397-31 vote, approved a $70-billion bill for veterans, housing and other programs. The Senate, by 99-0, passed a $21-billion bill to fund energy and water programs. With agreement on a balanced-budget deal close, there has been little appetite for the usual battles that stall spending bills. The goal is to get all 13 spending bills finished and signed by President Clinton before Oct. 1.