US Senate Passes Giant $1.7 Trillion Spending Bill With Ukraine Aid, Election Change

Passage of the bill represents a victory both for Democrats, who feared spending cuts with a GOP House next year, and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who was eager to secure funding increases for the military and Ukraine before the strife of divided government makes both a remote possibility next year.  The military budget receives a $76 billion, 10% boost over current levels, much to the benefit of defense contractors. Taiwan receives $2 billion for weapons purchases, which is likely to anger China.